Rhododendron and Roan Mountain (garden, design, vehicle) - Kingsport - Johnson City - Bristol - Tennessee (TN) -The Tri-Cities area - City-Data Forum

LauraC · 06-15-2009, 08:02 AM

Do you have to hike to see the rhododendron gardens at Carver's Gap near Roan Mountain?

Who has driven the Sycamore Shoals to Highlands of Roan Loop? What's it like? I read it was 127 miles in length. I'd like to do it on a weekday or two, before the festival next weekend or after the festival is over.

Jim37680 · 06-15-2009, 09:11 AM

You can drive directly into the garden area and park in several designated areas. This area is maintained by the USFS and they charge a fee to enter and park. I think it was $5 per vehicle last time I was there.

The distance from Sycamore Shoals visitor center to the USFS gate at Carver's Gap, Roan Mountain is about 32 miles and should take no more than one hour each way. I'm not sure which driving loop you have in mind. I think there is a Roan Mountain tour in the book "Driving The Back Roads of Western North Carolina" that leads you all over creation (following a narrative) that may very well be 127 miles. If you follow her loop you better have a good left seat navigator following the book!

JoshB · 06-15-2009, 08:45 PM

Charge fee is $3.00 and it's an honor system. If you want to you can park right at the gardens in a gravel lot. Or you can walk up to the top of Roan. I don't know if they bloom way at the top. That's like a .5 mile walk one way.

I came down this year and I was too early! I was bummed, next year.

mnewby06 · 06-21-2009, 06:34 PM

6/21/09 Are there Rhododendrons in bloom at this time of year? mn

kamoshika · 06-21-2009, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnewby06

6/21/09 Are there Rhododendrons in bloom at this time of year? mn

On Roan Mountain? Yes.

mnewby06 · 06-22-2009, 09:30 AM

thanks, we will take a look! mn

NorthernLights · 06-23-2009, 01:12 AM

Lisa and I hiked up on top of Craggy Gardens on the B/R parkway Sunday 6/21, about the same altitude as Roan Mtn., 5,000'. It was so misty it was like standing in a fog bank and being sprayed with a misting hose and you could barely see 15' in front of your face. It was pretty warm though in spite of the altitude. in our photos we look like we were sprayed down with a mister. It was kind of spooky in a neat sort of way, and we got some cool photos and many of the rhodos still were in bud so I suspect there will be more blossoms in the next two weeks. We have lovely photos of us looking like drowned rats in the fog, smiling like fools in front of some beautiful purple rhodos. We got photos of orange azaleas and a few lingering blueberry blossoms although they are mostly over. Mountain Laurel is just opening up now. Gorgeous! Wild strawberry blossoms still going and dogwood blossoms, Sumac, and some other little flowers I do not know the names of. lots to see and photograph Y'all come visit.

appytreks · 06-23-2009, 03:33 PM

I went up to Roan Rhododendron Gardens last night - the rhodos were at peak. If you can, get up there soon to see them! It's chilly in the evening, so I'd take a jacket! (I say that, but then I always forget to take one myself.)
Also, the Flame Azalea are blooming on Engine Gap, which is on the AT between Round Bald and Jane Bald (Basically, park at Carver's Gap and take the AT up to the balds -- about a 30-40 minute hike I'd guess). If you want to see more photos or get specific directions, go to my blog...Appalachian Treks http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s2G9Ja2yxEg/SkFH8zt_lTI/AAAAAAAAW1g/PYjHuMe_j6M/DSC_1473.jpg (broken link)
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s2G9Ja2yxEg/SkFIpnxq-RI/AAAAAAAAW1w/ONQSdCLkO6Y/DSC_1168.jpg (broken link)