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The Roan Highlands and Appalachian Trail
Some Favorite Plants and Scenes
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The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail in the Roan Highlands winds along open balds ranging from 5000
to more than 6000 feet in elevation. The tops of the mountains are often cloaked in fog
but on a clear day the views are spectacular.
Carver's Gap to Round Bald
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Engine Gap to Jane Bald
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Jane Bald to Grassy Ridge
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Rhododendron catawbiense on Grassy Ridge
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The Flame Azaleas
In June the Flame Azaleas, Rhododendron calendulaceum,
put on a wonderful show. The flowers can range in color from yellow,
through orange, to orange-red.
Flame Azaleas at Engine Gap
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Flame Azaleas along the Trail
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Flame Azaleas at Engine Gap
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Flame Azaleas
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Rare Wild Flowers
There are a number of rare wildflowers that grow on the Balds such as
Gray's Lily and the Roan Mountain Bluet. These plants are endangered
species so please do not pick the flowers or disturb the plants in any way.
Gray's Lily
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Gray's Lily
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Gray's Lily
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The Roan Mountain Bluet
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The Rhododendrons
The native Rhododendrons, R. catawbiense, can turn the
entire mountain top pink out on Grassy Ridge but the area is beautiful
all times of the year.
Grassy Ridge Point in Bloom
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Rhododendrons on Grassy Ridge
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Grassy Ridge Point
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Rhododendrons Along the Trail
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Grassy Ridge in Summer
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Red Vaccinium on Grassy Ridge in Autumn
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