Roan Mountain

On a summer June morning with the temperature promising to hit 90º my husband and I drove across East Tennessee to visit Roan Mountain to see the rhododendrons. The spectacular Catawba Rhododendron Gardens of Roan Mountain were to peak along with the Rhododendron Festival celebration held at the foot of the mountain, a tradition since 1947. I looked forward to seeing this fabulous display of nature that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

As we traveled curvy roads majestic mountains beckoned in the distance while fluffy white clouds floated high overhead. Parts of the mountain range glowed in the sunlight while other areas were covered with cool shadows hinting of secrets hidden inside the rocky depths. We reached the foot of Roan Mountain and turned climbing up into a tunnel of forest so dense that at times it blocked out the sunlight. After passing the Roan Mountain State Park where the Rhododendron Festival was located the road became steeper and we began circling around in a never ending loop of blacktop. We emerged out into bright sunlight at the edge of a ridge with drop-off views and twistier hairpin curves ahead. Once again we drove back into the shadows of the forest until we surfaced on another ridge at the top of Cutter's Gap.

Cars and people crowded the narrow two-lane road. After finding a spot to park we headed up the winding trail on the side of Roan Mountain. Radiant in the sunlight was acres of blooming pink rhododendron. I shivered glad for my sweater as the temperature was now in the 60's. Here clouds hovered low and a constant wind blew across ridges of breath-taking views stretching out into an endless horizon that made one feel like you were on top of the world. The gravel path was packed with a constant stream of people and children some hiking with pets.

After a couple of hours of walking trails, we drove higher to see the famous Rhododendron Gardens. There were modern bathroom facilities, an information center, and wide paved pathways throughout the gardens. To our disappointment at the higher altitude the rhododendrons were not yet blooming. We walked a brisk pace around the gardens buffeted by chilly winds and an overcast sky of gray clouds as the temperature dipped down into the 50's.

We drove down the mountain and stopped at the festival. Jostling through thick crowds we looked for an open vendor in order to get something to eat. After standing in line for over an hour we finally purchased a couple of barbeque sandwiches. By now the sun was hidden behind dark clouds and it was looking like it could rain any minute. All seats available had been taken so we ended up sitting at the foot of a large tree to eat our late lunch. Soon it began to rain. Exhausted from hiking over eight miles that morning, we left the festival and Roan Mountain, and headed home to arrive at a welcome 90º summer day.