What do the words “bald”, “flowers”, and “mountain” have in common? In parts of the Southern Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee you will find mountains that do not have trees on top. This is called a “bald”. Scientists are unsure why some of these mountains have trees at the top and some have only grass or heath. In several cases you can find beautiful Catawba rhododendrons and fiery azaleas covering the “bald”. These beautiful flowers can be found blooming throughout late May and June (low elevations bloom first). Hiking to a bald will also provide you with a stunning view of numerous mountain peaks off in the distance. Take a hike to a “bald”. You’ll be glad you did. Here is a list of possibilities:
Andrews Bald
is located in the Smoky Mountain National Park. This hike is a moderate 3.6-mile round trip. The combination of fiery azaleas and Catawba rhododendrons is gorgeous.
Elk Knob State Park
is located 2 hours NE of Asheville, NC. This hike is a 4-mile round trip to see beautiful flaming azaleas.
Gregory Bald
is located in the Smoky Mountain National Park. This hike is a strenuous 11-mile round trip. Fiery azalea blooms will reward your efforts.
Craggy Gardens
is located approximately 17 miles from Asheville, NC, along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This hike is a moderate 2.8-mile roundtrip to see Catawba rhododendrons. The drive along the parkway is worth the trip with several pull-outs with views of hundreds of miles of mountains. Watch out for the bicyclists.
Roan Mountain State Park
– located in far Eastern Tennessee very close to the border with North Carolina. Consider going to Roan Mountain State Park for their annual Tennessee Rhododendron Festival in June each year. In 2019 the festival was held on June 17thand 18th. The festival features over 100 vendors selling handmade arts and crafts, local music, food and drink, and of course the flowers. Take the Roan Mountain Gardens trail, a paved, accessible loop with gentle hills which winds around through a natural rhododendron garden area.
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