Rhododendron Gardens
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Trail Overview[edit]
Views and extensive natural Rhododendron Gardens (late for blossoms), views, spruce fir forest
How to get there[edit]
From Elizabethton, TN
- Turn on to US 19E and US 321 for about 6 miles through spectacular gorge of Doe River to Hampton, TN to intersection where US 19E and US 321 diverge.
- Continue straight on US 19E about 13 miles to Roan Mountain, TN at TN 143.
- Turn right in Roan Mountain, Tenn. on TN 143 and drive 14 miles to Carvers Gap at the North Carolina State Line.
- Turn right onto USFS road and drive 2 miles to parking lot at Rhododendron Gardens (fee) and Trailhead.
- Park in paved parking lot or further along gravel road at gardens.
Route Description[edit]
Hikers continue along crest of mountain on trail and/or down through gardens on paved walkways. Trails are handicapped accessible. There are several trails through the rhododendron gardens. A linear trail extends from the paved parking lot south along the crest of the mountain through other parking lots and beyond to Roan High Bluff, where there is an overlook. Also, a series of short loop hikes extends down on the North Carolina side from a USFS booth at the first unpaved parking area. Information is available at the booth. The booth is visible from the linear trail. Some of these trails are paved and handicapped accessible and there is a wooden boardwalk overlook as well. Picnic tables are available near the parking area.
Typical Conditions[edit]
Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]
USFS Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/null/recarea/?recid=48626&actid=64 The season of operation is from Memorial Day Weekend through the end of September; otherwise entrance gate is locked closed. $3 day use fee per car.