Tennessee is known for its mountain ranges and dipping hills and valleys, but what we truly love about the state is all of its sweet secrets tucked away for locals. One of them just so happens to revolve around the gorgeous rhododendron blooms that come out to play every summertime on the eastern edge of the state. North Carolina may try to claim them, but here in Tennessee we know what state truly hosts such an enchanting natural phenomenon.
Ken Lane - Flickr When you think of the Great Smoky Mountains, you may find yourself pondering old growth forests and planning your day with long hikes through the shaded wilderness. That’s all well and good if you’re into that kind of thing - gorgeous wilderness and all - but we have a better plan.
Quel Beast! - Flickr Roan Mountain. Atop one of the highest peaks in the Smokies, you’ll find Roan Mountain bursting with rhododendrons in the summertime.
Quel Beast! - Flickr You can hike through the blooms in Roan Mountain State Park, which actually is home to the largest natural rhododendron garden in the entire world. It’s quite the phenomenon, a complete work of nature.
Jim Liestman - Flickr Roan Mountain has hosted the - wait for it - ROAN MOUNTAIN Rhododendron Festival since 1947, making it a state classic. The annual festival honors the natural beauty that cloaks the mountaintop in the early summertime.
Doug Bradley - Flickr The festival is held outdoors on a Saturday and Sunday in the heart of June, and plays host to all sorts of historical demonstrations and craft booths.
Gary Boyd - Flickr Did we say, “craft booths”? We meant over one HUNDRED craft booths and all sorts of food offerings, as well. Come ready for stunning florals and traditional folk music on a lazy summer Saturday.
discutant - Flickr You can visit the Tennessee Rhododendron Festival from June 16-17, 2018, and keep in mind that admission is free. You can find the state park on Highway 43, which is just short of the North Carolina-Tennessee state line. We’ll see you there!
If you’re in east Tennessee, you should probably stop by this gorgeous riverside hotel. It’s beautiful, and you’ll never want to leave.
Ken Lane - Flickr
When you think of the Great Smoky Mountains, you may find yourself pondering old growth forests and planning your day with long hikes through the shaded wilderness. That’s all well and good if you’re into that kind of thing - gorgeous wilderness and all - but we have a better plan.
Quel Beast! - Flickr
Roan Mountain. Atop one of the highest peaks in the Smokies, you’ll find Roan Mountain bursting with rhododendrons in the summertime.
You can hike through the blooms in Roan Mountain State Park, which actually is home to the largest natural rhododendron garden in the entire world. It’s quite the phenomenon, a complete work of nature.
Jim Liestman - Flickr
Roan Mountain has hosted the - wait for it - ROAN MOUNTAIN Rhododendron Festival since 1947, making it a state classic. The annual festival honors the natural beauty that cloaks the mountaintop in the early summertime.
Doug Bradley - Flickr
The festival is held outdoors on a Saturday and Sunday in the heart of June, and plays host to all sorts of historical demonstrations and craft booths.
Gary Boyd - Flickr
Did we say, “craft booths”? We meant over one HUNDRED craft booths and all sorts of food offerings, as well. Come ready for stunning florals and traditional folk music on a lazy summer Saturday.
discutant - Flickr
You can visit the Tennessee Rhododendron Festival from June 16-17, 2018, and keep in mind that admission is free. You can find the state park on Highway 43, which is just short of the North Carolina-Tennessee state line. We’ll see you there!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
