As the summer comes to an end and the nights begin to get colder, we know that fall will soon start to set in. For us here in Western North Carolina, that means mild temperatures – not too hot, not too cold – making us the perfect place to temporarily call home for migratory species from up north.
One of these being the beautiful Monarch Butterfly.
Monarchs are the only butterflies known to make the two-way migration like birds. Each fall the butterflies travel from the northern US all the way down to Mexico, making stops along the way like the Blue Ridge Mountains. Monarchs use air currents and thermals to travel these long distances. Some fly as far as 3,000 miles before they reach their home for the winter.
The monarchs usually travel at treetop levels and through higher elevations, so you may not see as many down in the city. But if you make your way to the Blue Ridge Parkway, you are sure to notice clusters of orange and black as they make their journey further south.
When is the best time to view the Monarch migration here in WNC?
The butterflies are gearing up to begin their journey in August and should find their way to the Asheville area in September and Early October.
Our favorite viewing spots?
You are likely to see these majestic butterflies in various higher elevations, but a few of the best known viewing spots are along the Blue Ridge Parkway at these lookouts:
- Wagon Gap Road parking area – Milepost 412.2
- Pounding Mill Overlook – Milepost 413.2
- Cherry Cove Overlook – Milepost 415.7
- Black Balsam summit – Milepost 420.2
There are pull-offs and parking areas at each of these locations. Black Balsam summit does require a moderate hike, but the views are far worth it.
Experts aren’t able to nail down the exact time for viewing as it varies slightly from year to year. But it seems that the last two weeks of September and the first week or two of October have been the most successful times in years past.
This Monarch migration is tracked by an organization called Journey North. You can help track the migration of the butterfly by visiting this site here: https://maps.journeynorth.org. You can even report your sightings.
Fun facts about Monarch Butterflies
- Monarchs cluster together on branches to stay warm. Sometimes thousands of butterflies will perch together on a single limb.
- Monarchs can travel between 50-100 miles a day; it can take up to two months to complete their journey.
- Monarchs only travel during the day and need to find a roost at night.
- After wintering in Mexico, the Monarchs will make their return flight home.
- The monarchs that started their journey in fall, will not live to see the north again.
- The butterflies that were born along the way, will continue the trip and hatch a new generation to do the same as they did.
