The Springtime Wildflowers Are Absolutely Stunning At Roan Mountain State Park In Tennessee

The state of Tennesse is made up of a series of topographical elements, from the swampy recesses of the Mississippi River to the bedrock of Nashville. On the eastern side of the state, you’ll find the jagged beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, though the virtue of the peaks is not without respite. Roan Mountain State Park boasts an expansive meadow that goes wild with blooming flowers in the springtime. Known for its incredible views and the pops of color that paint the park every season, it’s a popular spot for hikers and outdoorsy folks.

Brenda Wiley - Flickr

Roan Mountain State Park is made up of more than 2,000 acres. The mountain itself rises over 6,000 feet in the air. The rugged region is made up of a clear Doe River, expansive hardwood forests, and myriad of wildlife.

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Locals love to visit for the 30 darling cabins available for rent and the 106 campgrounds on-site. If you choose to rent a cabin, you'll find a rocking chair on the front porch, a full kitchen, a bathroom, gas-powered heat, and even a wood-burning stove. Dreamy, don't you think? It's the perfect rustic escape with a few creature comforts.

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Brenda Wiley - Flickr

Of course, it's the rhododendron bloom that attracts many folks to the area. The Catawba rhododendrons typically bloom for three weeks in the springtime. The hike to the heart of the bloom is roughly five miles round trip.

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Brenda Wiley - Flickr

Roan Mountain also hosts a Rhododendron Festival on an annual basis, usually during June. The first festival was hosted in June 1947, and it has since become a two-day celebration that's hosted on-site at Roan Mountain State Park.

Brenda Wiley - Flickr

You can hike to see the rhododendrons, and the trek will take you along rocky creek beds and breathtaking ridges. There are roughly 12 miles of hiking trails in the park and a little over two miles of bike trails.

Brenda Wiley - Flickr

Make sure you bring your camera and a snack. The park remains temperate year-round, but the hiking trails on-site can range from difficult to easy. You'll want to pay attention to which hike you choose. You can also head on out to the Doe River to fish the afternoon away, with three species of trout making their home in the waterway.

Brenda Wiley - Flickr

Have you ever seen the wildflowers at Roan Mountain? Will you be visiting? Make sure you leave your thoughts on this natural Tennessee phenomenon below. There's truly nothing like it.

The beauty of Roan Mountain State Park is renowned for a reason. Locals and tourists alike flock to the natural expanse every year to catch a whiff of those beautiful flowers, and we have a feeling you’ll be planning a trip sometime soon. You can learn more about Roan Mountain State Park with a visit to its official website or Facebook page.

Continue to explore the beauty of Tennessee’s natural wonder with a visit to Big Hill Pond State Park.