When and where to find Rhododendrons
The wife and I were wanting to find some waterfalls, rhododendrons, and wildlife. Looking at the Franklin, NC area as base. Driving 38' MH w/toad from SW Louisiana. Help us plan our trip for June 20...
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+10 for Roan Mountain. Stay at Roan Mountain State Park, great campground and also have cabins for rent, pool for kids, river running through it, etc. Drive up to Carver's Gap (just a few beautiful curvy miles up the mountain), hike the AT up through dark spruce forests to the open balds about 6000' elevation. From the parking lot at Carver's gap the hike up the trail is only a mile or so to the first bald, I considerate it a moderate hike for this 68 year old. Lots of wild rhododendron and flame azalea and views of layered mountains in the distance. To the right of Carver's gap, take the drive to the top for the rhododendron gardens, just awesome. Last time I was there I think the charge for the gardens was only like $3 or so. Mid-June peak usually. Back down in the small town of Roan Mountain, there are a couple good BBQ restaurants and a drive in with excellent country breakfast and lunches, ice cream etc. Bob's Dairyland I think it is.
