When is the best time to hike in the Roan Mountain area to see the rhododendron bloom? Late May to mid June is what I have heard. Is that correct?
When is the best time to hike in the Roan Mountain area to see the rhododendron bloom? Late May to mid June is what I have heard. Is that correct?
It can vary a bit from one year to the next. I was there mid-June a year or so ago and it hadn't quite reached peak, but still very beautiful!
The other cool thing in to look for on the balds are the Gray's Lilies, but I think they peak more
in July a little bit after the Rhododendrons. I've seen these from Roan up to a little past Grayson Highlands
but not outside of that area. Here is the wiki link which has some pics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilium_grayi
2012 I hit it way late, my second attempt to see the blooms but did get some great wildflowers just before Overmountain Shelter 7/28/2012
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2016 When I went I hit it on peak weekend - 6/20/2016
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2017 I went and a storm knocked the flowers off of all but one bush however there were some other things blooming along the way - 6/26/2017
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I have walked the Roan Highlands 7 times and full bloom or no bloom it never disappoints
Didn't know until I clicked on your link but it looks like I have had some luck finding the illusive Gray's Lillie!
Headed up Hump Mountain
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Near the Priest in Central Virginia
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Last edited by Gambit McCrae; 03-22-2018 at 08:36.
Trail Miles: 4,980.5
AT Map 1: Complete 2013-2021
Sheltowee Trace: Complete 2020-2023
Pinhoti Trail: Complete 2023-2024
Foothills Trail: 47.9
AT Map 2: 279.4
BMT: 52.7
CDT: 85.4
Gorgeous! Thanks for posting this, Gambit.
I’m doing this section again this weekend...forecast looks terrible and likely only blooms I will see are the infamous TP blooms.....
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Both Roan Mountain, TN, and Bakersville, NC, have rhododendron festivals around the third weekend in June, which I take as an indicator of when they usually peak:
http://www.roanmountain.com/rhododendron-festival/
http://www.ncrhododendronfestival.org/
My experience is late May would be too early. It does vary somewhat from year to year but typically mid June is a good bet with the knowledge that it can be a week or two on either side of that.
Section hiker on the 20 year plan - 2,078 miles and counting!
Trail Miles: 4,980.5
AT Map 1: Complete 2013-2021
Sheltowee Trace: Complete 2020-2023
Pinhoti Trail: Complete 2023-2024
Foothills Trail: 47.9
AT Map 2: 279.4
BMT: 52.7
CDT: 85.4
oops, I see the date now.
I will make my way down there again this week....some day!