The Blue Ridge Mountains hold a secret that many travelers overlook: stunning rhododendron gardens. These vibrant blooms transform the landscape into a colorful paradise, especially during late spring and early summer. Learn all about Rhododendrons in the Blue Ridge Mountains, including the types and best locations to see them bloom.
But there's only one public botanical garden in the Blue Ridge Mountains region: the Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens, a lush paradise that's part of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, Georgia. As the name suggests, the gardens bloom with rhododendron - 400 varieties of the species, in fact, totaling over 3,000 plants. Craggy Gardens Visitor Center (Milepost 364) The small, historic visitor center and America's National Parks store is nestled in the gap between the rocky, Craggy Mountains.
At over 5,000 feet elevation, harsh weather often invades these exposed ridges, resulting in the gnarled forests of beech, birch, and buckeye. These summits have been home to some of the most spectacular rhododendron. The Hamilton Rhododendron Garden Located at the popular and diverse Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds next to the town of Hiawassee, Georgia; is the Hamilton Rhododendron Garden.
A spectacular floral experience of color and beauty, radiating and illuminating when in full bloom throughout the month of May with its first buds opening in April. Located approximately 2hours from Sydney CBD, the Campbell Rhododendron Garden is at the top of the Blue Mountains. This garden is one of the most favourite gardens in the Blue Mountains, where you would find Azaleas and Rhododendrons along with eucalypts and bushland.
The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens, Blackheath, are approximately 2 hours from Sydney CBD, at the top of the Blue Mountains. These unique Gardens are one of the Blue Mountains' most favourite venues, where Azaleas and Rhododendrons are planted amongst the native eucalypts and bushland. The Gardens are picturesque all year round, especially in April with brilliant autumn colours.
But. Craggy Gardens is an exquisite stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, high up in the Great Craggy Mountains. Its mile-high peaks are located to the north of Asheville climbing over 3,500 feet in.
The garden receives no government funding and is maintained wholly by its amazing volunteers (the Blue Mountains Rhododendron Society of NSW Incorporated). Throw your Gold Coin donation into the donation box in the Information Kiosk adjacent to the Car Park in the Gardens. Funds go towards the maintenance and upkeep of this community based garden.
Catawba rhododendron / Helen Moss Davis.
