Are you ready for Gregory Bald this June?

Are you ready for Gregory Bald this June?

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

2 comments

Although Gregory Bald is an excellent destination anytime of the year, mid to late June is the absolute best time to make the trek to the summit. In addition to its excellent views of Cades Cove, Gregory Bald provides for one of the best flame azalea shows in the world during this time period.

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, however; the Gregory Ridge Trail climbs over 3000 feet, and the roundtrip hike is 11.3 miles - but it's well worth it. This is without a doubt one of the top hikes in the Smokies - no matter what time of year you decide to hike it.

I know there's already speculation that peak bloom for the azaleas may occur earlier than normal this year due to the unseasonably warm weather. However, according to a 2009 article in Smokies Life Magazine, records kept between 1935 and 1962 show that peak bloom for flame azaleas occurs between June 13 and June 24. I would expect that this years peak bloom will likely occur during the earlier part of that range. Before that, I don't know...

Here's a preview of some of the sights you'll see at the top of the bald:


For more information on this hike, please click here.

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Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Flame Azaleas approaching peak bloom on Gregory Bald

Flame Azaleas approaching peak bloom on Gregory Bald

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

6 comments

Just a reminder for those wishing to see one of the greatest sites in the Smokies: the flame azaleas atop Gregory Bald should be nearing peak bloom within the next week or two.

Tom Harrington, a volunteer for the Great Smoky Mountains who provides regular wildflower updates for the Great Smoky Mountains Association, recently stated:

"I checked my diary back to 1995, and the middle of June has been the peak for the Flame Azalea blooms on Gregory Bald during those years. When I have gone during the third full week of June the blooms have been past peak. With the extreme heat they likely will peak early."

This is one of my all time favorite hiking destinations. If interested in making the hike, the two most common ways of reaching Gregory Bald are via the Gregory Ridge Trail off of Forge Creek Road, and the Gregory Bald Trail off the one-way Parson Branch Road. You can also reach Gregory Bald (via Wolf Ridge Trail or Long Hungry Ridge Trail) from the more remote Twentymile trailhead in North Carolina as well.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Flame azaleas at peak on Gregory Bald

Flame azaleas at peak on Gregory Bald

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

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Tom Harrington, a volunteer for the Great Smoky Mountains who provides regular wildflower updates for the Great Smoky Mountains Association, is reporting that the flame azaleas atop Gregory Bald are at their peak.

Here's the statement from his report posted today:

"Flame azaleas are at peak on Gregory Bald. The best blooms will last about another week (due to intense heat)."

Mr. Harrington is also reporting seeing the following flowers in bloom on the Gregory Ridge Trail: Rosebay Rhododendron, Galax, Wild Hydrangea, Indian Pipe, Blue Eye Grass (1), Sweet Shrub, Canadian Violet, Prostrate Bluet, Starry Campion, Hawkweed, and Pipsissewa.

For more information on hiking the Gregory Ridge Trail to Gregory Bald, 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.

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(Bonus) Hike of the Month: Gregory Bald

(Bonus) Hike of the Month: Gregory Bald

Thursday, June 3, 2010

2 comments

Although Gregory Bald is an excellent destination anytime of the year, mid to late June is the absolute best time to make the trek to the summit. In addition to its excellent views into Cades Cove, Gregory Bald provides for one of the best flame azalea shows in the world during this time period.

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.

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Flame Azaleas on Gregory Bald near peak bloom

Flame Azaleas on Gregory Bald near peak bloom

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

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Tom Harrington, a volunteer for the Great Smoky Mountains, made the trek up to Gregory Bald yesterday to observe the status of the Flame Azalea blooms at the summit.

Here’s his report as posted on the Great Smoky Mountains Association website:

“Blooms very close to peak if not at peak. About 65% of the shrubs are covered with blooms with a few buds. There are a number of shrubs on the side facing Cades Cove that are not blooming yet. White Flame Azaleas have not started blooming yet. Well worth the trip to the bald.”

As noted in the previous post, the Parson Branch Road has been temporarily closed as a result of mud. This will impact anyone wishing to hike the Gregory Bald Trail. Until the road is reopened ("tentatively scheduled to reopen on June 17"), hikers will need to take the Gregory Ridge Trail to reach Gregory Bald.

For more information on hiking the Gregory Ridge Trail to the summit of Gregory Bald, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Don’t miss the Flame Azaleas on Gregory Bald

Don’t miss the Flame Azaleas on Gregory Bald

Thursday, May 28, 2009

3 comments

If you’re anywhere near the Great Smoky Mountains next month, whatever you do, don’t miss the flame azaleas at the summit of Gregory Bald.

Azalea lovers from all over the world come here to visit perhaps the finest display of flame azaleas anywhere on the planet. During our visit last year we saw acres of fire red, wine red, orange, salmon, yellow, white, pink, and even multi-colored azaleas.

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.

The hike to Gregory Bald isn’t exactly easy. You’ll have to hike more than 5.6 miles and climb over 3000 feet to reach the grassy bald summit. Although it takes some effort to get there, the destination is still extremely popular during the peak bloom periods. According to an article in the most recent issue of Smokies Life Magazine, careful records kept from 1935 to 1962 show that peak bloom for flame azaleas occur between June 13 and June 24.

Last year we were at the summit on June 19. Most of the azaleas were at peak bloom that day, but there were some that were a little past peak. This may have been the result of the heat wave that hit the region earlier that month.

In addition to roughly 10 acres of grassy bald meadows and flame azaleas, you’ll have stunning views of Cades Cove and the surrounding mountains, as well as plenty of space to enjoy a picnic lunch.

I would go so far as to say that the hike to Gregory Bald during peak flame azalea bloom season should be on the life list of any self-respecting hiker, gardener, or nature lover!

For more photos and information on hiking the trail to Gregory Bald, 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.

Smoky Mountain Cabins Check out our new page for cabin and chalet listings in the Smokies!

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