Pink-Shell Azalea set to bloom

Native only to North Carolina, the pink-shell azalea grows in spruce forests at high elevations in three mountain counties. Delicate pink blossoms appear in mid-May.

The azalea vaseyi is considered globally endangered with less than 100 populations known to exist. The largest natural population of the pink-shell azalea in the world can be found on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain, covering the peaks of the mountain in pink clouds from mid to late May. One of the best shows of the year!

Please click here for information on visiting Grandfather Mountain. For information on the hiking trails in the state park, 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.