Just Around the Corner

Nearly every day I make the long drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway across the state line from Grayson County, Virginia, to Alleghany County, North Carolina, on my way to work and then back again. While the transition from Virginia to North Carolina is barely noticeable along there, I can’t help but be reminded that here, in late winter, the transition into spring is coming for the Blue Ridge Mountains. It makes my heart glad. Each year it’s like watching a miracle unfold before my very eyes, especially on the Parkway’s ridge. Everything feels new and alive, and you can’t help but marvel at how it all comes together so perfectly. This is the time when you really see God’s hand in every flower, every stream, and every bird singing in the trees. For me, it’s a reminder of His incredible creation and the beauty He brings to our world.

As winter lets go, the mountains start waking up. The snow that’s been blanketing everything starts to melt, revealing patches of dark, rich soil. You’ll see little green shoots pushing their way up, determined to grow despite the chill still hanging in the air. It’s like God’s way of showing us that life always finds a way even in the hardest times. The leftover snow sitting next to fresh greenery is such a cool contrast, and it makes you stop and think about how perfectly balanced everything is.

Wildflowers are one of the first things to pop up. They’re like nature’s way of decorating the mountains. Trilliums, Bloodroots, and Virginia Bluebells start blooming, adding splashes of color everywhere. Don’t forget all the Daffodils along the road – they are everywhere up here! The Dogwoods, Redbuds, and Willows are even more stunning, with their pink and white flowers lighting up the hills. And let’s not forget the smell – the fresh, earthy scent of rain-soaked ground mixed with the sweet perfume of blooming trees is just heavenly. It’s like breathing in a little piece of God’s goodness.

The streams and rivers that were cold, quiet, and often frozen in the winter get a fresh start, too. The melting snow turns them into lively, rushing currents that you can hear from a distance. There’s something so soothing about the sound of water flowing over the rocks. The waterfalls around places like Stone Mountain State Park really come alive, and they’re just mesmerizing to watch. It’s hard not to feel God’s power and grace in those moments.

And then there are the “critters,” as I like to call them. The birds come back and suddenly the air is full of their songs. Warblers, Robins, and Bluebirds flit around, adding their cheerful tunes to the mix. It’s like they’re celebrating the new season too. You’ll also spot wild turkey and deer grazing in open fields and squirrels running through the trees. Every little creature seems to be doing its part to remind us of God’s provision and care.

The sunlight during this time is magical. The days get longer, the sun feels warmer, and it casts a golden glow over everything. In the mornings, mist clings to the valleys, giving the mountains an almost blue, dreamlike look. And don’t even get me started on the sunsets. The sky lights up with shades of pink, orange, and vermilion, reflecting off the fresh greenery below. It’s like God is painting a new masterpiece every evening.

Spring is also a big deal for the people who live here. Farmers start planting their crops, and the apple orchards suddenly burst into bloom, promising a good harvest later on. Local events and festivals begin to pop up everywhere, celebrating the season. Farmers’ markets open and display the color and variety of fresh produce, and craft fairs all along the Blue Ridge showcase all kinds of handmade goods inspired by the beauty and nature that surround us. It’s a time for the community to come together and enjoy the blessings of the season.

If you’re up for an adventure, the hiking trails in Alleghany County are a perfect way to experience all this. The trails at Cumberland Knob, Doughton Park, and others along the Blue Ridge Parkway take you through forests that are just waking up, past waterfalls roaring with fresh runoff, and up to overlooks with incredible mountain and valley views. Every step of the way, you’re reminded of the little miracles around you, like ferns unfurling and chipmunks scurrying about. It’s impossible to walk these paths without feeling grateful for God’s handiwork.

For a more laid-back experience, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must. As the National Park Service dives deep into the restoration and recovery from the devastation that Hurricane Helene brought to our area in the fall, this national treasure known as “America’s Favorite Drive” is the perfect way to take in the scenery without breaking a sweat. In spring, the overlooks along the parkway give you a front-row seat to nature’s big show. Access to those areas that have been closed for repair far too long is just around the corner. Soon, you’ll again be able to take this scenic drive and see long flowing mountain meadows, valleys slowly turning green, and flowers everywhere dotting the landscape. It’s like looking at a living postcard, and you can’t help but feel awe for the Creator who made it all.

The change from winter to spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains isn’t just about the weather getting warmer. It’s a reminder of how God renews everything, bringing life and beauty where there was once stillness. Whether you’re hiking a trail, driving the parkway, or just sitting and soaking it all in, this season in Grayson and Alleghany Counties fills your heart with wonder and gratitude. It’s a time to remember that every sunrise, every bloom, and every bird’s song is a gift from Him.