The 62nd annual Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival is underway! As you can see the festival planners picked the perfect weekend for the celebration -- the rhodos on top of Roan Mountain are at their peak this weekend. If you hike the balds from Carver's Gap, you'll also find that the flame azalea are also in bloom (although they're a little past their peak). The Gray's Lilies are blooming on Jane Bald, and will probably reach their peak this coming week. The festival activities take place down at the state park -- click here for the schedule of events. Click here for more information on Roan Mountain.Directions: Take Route 19E to the town of Roan Mountain, turn onto Route 143 and travel 12.8 miles to the TN/NC state line (Carver's Gap). On your way up the mountain, you'll pass through the Roan Mountain State Park. Eventually, you leave the state park and enter the national forest. At Carver's Gap turn right, following the signs to the Rhododendron Gardens two miles up!
Other things to do: Click here for a list of all the things to see and do on Roan Mountain.
Thanks for a reminder of the festival. We're going to head up there today. Your pics are truly amazing and they really make me appreciate living in this area.
ReplyDelete