Monarch Butterflies Will Fly Over NC: Where To Watch Them

NORTH CAROLINA — Known for their striking orange and black wings, monarch butterflies are an iconic North Carolina staple. They are set to leave the state this fall, however, starting their winter migration.

These insects that weigh less than a paper clip can fly 3,000 miles. Some travel as far south as Florida or even Mexico.

The monarchs will leave North Carolina in September and October,offering an opportunity to spot them on their journey south.

One way to see them is to look up, according to RomanticAsheville.com.

"They usually travel at treetop level along mountain ridges, so they are usually harder to see in lower elevations," the website said. "But you can watch them on their journey as they pass through the high passes along the Blue Ridge Parkway."

The monarchs that travel through the Asheville area fly at about 7 mph and likely hail from milkweed meadows in Canada, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, the website said.

Here's where RomanticAsheville.com says you can go to spot them along the Blue Ridge Parkway:

• Milepost 412.2, Wagon Road Gap, elevation 4,550 feet
• Milepost 413.2 Pounding Mill Parking Overlook, elevation 4,700 (Top choice!)
• Milepost 415.7, Cherry Cove Overlook (interpretive sign there) Elevation 4,327
• Milepost 425.3: Doubletop Mountain Overlook, Elevation 5,365

How You Can Help The Monarch

• Create a monarch way station by planting a garden with native milkweed and nectar plants
• Set out a bird bath, small puddling areas or a water garden to help keep them hydrated.
• Register your monarch waystation to help encourage others. More information about how to register and get a sign may be found here.

Jacob Baumgart, Patch staff, contributed