
The Catawba Rhododendron
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.
Credit: Helen Moss Davis | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Rhododendron bloom atop Grandfather Mountain
Rhododendron atop Grandfather Mountain
Credit: Skip Sickler | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Catawba Rhododendron cluster
The Catawba rhododendron blooms annually in flashy tones of lilac and magenta.
Credit: Helen Moss Davis | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
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.
Credit: Taylor Adams | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Naturalists lead the annual Rhododendron Ramble daily program
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.
Credit: Helen Moss Davis | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Catawba rhododendron colors range from purple to magenta
Credit: Skip Sickler | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Naturalist Gabe Taylor and participants study the single flower of a Catawba rhododendron cluster
Credit: Catherine Morton | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

Native Appalachian Catawba Rhododendron
Catawba rhododendron are native to the Southern Appalachians. They are cultivated as ornamental plants because of their beauty.
Credit: Sharon Glatthorn | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Tall rhododendron frame a great picnic spot
During late May and early June, visitors to Grandfather Mountain and MacRae Meadows can picnic surrounded by large rhododendron shrubs in bloom.
Credit: Sharon Glatthorn | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Linn Cove Viaduct in Spring | Blue Ridge Parkway MP 304
The Linn Cove Viaduct is one of the most photographed spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Credit: Hugh Morton | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

A showy Catawba rhododendron in full bloom
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.
Credit: Helen Moss Davis | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

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

Tubing on the New River | Boone, NC
A group of friends enjoy a leisurely float on the New River in Boone NC.
Credit: Craig Distl

Crabtree Falls | Blue Ridge Parkway MP 338
A young girl cools off at Crabtree Falls near Boone NC.
Credit: Randy Johnson

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

Summer Concerts at the Jones House | Boone, NC

Summer View on Grandfather Mountain | Linville
The top of Grandfather Mountain is the perfect place to relax and enjoy cool summer temperatures.
Credit: Watauga TDA
















