The Catawba Rhododendron covers more than 1,000 feet in elevation on Grandfather Mountain. This wide range of elevation provides a long window of opportunity for guests to see this showy blooming plant.

Rhododendron atop Grandfather Mountain

The Catawba rhododendron blooms annually in flashy tones of lilac and magenta.

A Grandfather Mountain staff naturalist discusses the parts of a rhododendron with a Rhodo Ramble participant. The annual Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble will occur at 1 pm daily June 1-12.

Chief Naturalist Katie Gray leads participants on a Rhododendron Ramble along the Bridge Trail. The start location of the rhododendron-focused programs depends on where the plant's peak blooms are occurring at the time.

Catawba rhododendron are native to the Southern Appalachians. They are cultivated as ornamental plants because of their beauty.

During late May and early June, visitors to Grandfather Mountain and MacRae Meadows can picnic surrounded by large rhododendron shrubs in bloom.

The Linn Cove Viaduct is one of the most photographed spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Catawba Rhododendrons are already blooming at the lower elevations of Grandfather Mountain, around MacRae Meadows. Due to this year's unseasonably mild winter and spring many of the Mountain's plants are blooming early.

A Catawba rhododendron in Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone, North Carolina.

A group of friends enjoy a leisurely float on the New River in Boone NC.

A young girl cools off at Crabtree Falls near Boone NC.

Two young girls prepare to jump from a large boulder into the pool below at Elk River Falls.

The top of Grandfather Mountain is the perfect place to relax and enjoy cool summer temperatures.