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.
2 comments
Headed you way for the weekend, camping at Smokemont. Have never stopped there in all the 35+ years we have been going to the Smokies, always go on over to the other side of the park, spent lots of time at Elkmont. Found your post on the Smokemont Loop trail, will have to check it out!
Hoping to make it over that way next weekend. All depends on my work schedule for Friday.. if good weather I will make it. My birthday is June 20th and this used to always be my birthday hike. I have not been there the last couple of years.. but I definetely want to be there this year.
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