The Rhododendrons Of Roan Mountain

Something amazing happens every June on Roan Mountain, a 6,285 foot ridge that straddles the Tennessee/North Carolina Border - thousands of rhododendrons burst into bloom turning the mountainside into a sea of pink and lavender. My brother and sister-in-law visited Roan Mountain on June 17 and took some great photos, including this one.

Roan Mountain's rhododendron gardens provide some of nature's most spectacular scenery, drawing hordes of visitors each spring from all around the globe. The rhododendrons are part of a landscape that is as unique as it is beautiful. The large patches of Catawba rhododendrons contrast with the mountain's "balds" (large, open grassy areas) and spruce fir forests to form a natural mosaic of pink, lavender and green.

The world-famous Appalachian Trail runs right through Roan Mountain's balds and rhododendron patches, making the area a favorite among hikers. "Thru-hikers" are treated to a bevy of scenic vistas on the trip from Maine to Georgia, with the Roan stretch providing a significant portion of them.

The Roan Mountain area has plenty of options for lodging, including camping and several very nice bed-and-breakfasts. If you're looking for a great way to spend a relaxing late-June or early-July weekend, you can't go wrong with a visit to Roan Mountain!

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