Flame azaleas at peak on Gregory Bald

Tom Harrington, a volunteer for the Great Smoky Mountains who provides regular wildflower updates for the Great Smoky Mountains Association, is reporting that the flame azaleas atop Gregory Bald are at their peak.

Here's the statement from his report posted today:

"Flame azaleas are at peak on Gregory Bald. The best blooms will last about another week (due to intense heat)."

Mr. Harrington is also reporting seeing the following flowers in bloom on the Gregory Ridge Trail: Rosebay Rhododendron, Galax, Wild Hydrangea, Indian Pipe, Blue Eye Grass (1), Sweet Shrub, Canadian Violet, Prostrate Bluet, Starry Campion, Hawkweed, and Pipsissewa.

For more information on hiking the Gregory Ridge Trail to Gregory Bald, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

(Bonus) Hike of the Month: Gregory Bald

Although Gregory Bald is an excellent destination anytime of the year, mid to late June is the absolute best time to make the trek to the summit. In addition to its excellent views into Cades Cove, Gregory Bald provides for one of the best flame azalea shows in the world during this time period.

In fact, azalea lovers from all over the world come here to visit perhaps the finest display of flame azaleas anywhere on the planet. According to the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association the various hybrids of azaleas on Gregory Bald are so impressive and unique that the British Museum of Natural History has collected samples of them.

This isn't an easy hike - the trail climbs over 3000 feet, and the roundtrip hike is 11.3 miles - but it's well worth it. As mentioned in a previous post, I would definitely rate this as one of the top 3 hikes in the Smokies.

Here's a preview of some of the sights you'll see at the top:


For more information on this hike, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.