Smoky Mountain Balds

The main attraction in the Smokies in late spring and early summer is the blooming balds. Mountain laurel blooms in May, followed by Azaleas in mid-June and Rhododendron soon afterward. The blooming times can vary by a few weeks from year to year, so you have to keep an eye on them to catch the peak.

The grassy balds are a historic feature of the Smokies, but not a natural one. They would grow over if left unattended. Some of the balds are maintained by grazing. Inside the park, brush is cut back periodically to maintain them.

The best azalea patch can be found on Gregory's Bald, overlooking Cades Cove. It's a long walk from either direction. You can climb from the gravel road near the Cades Cove Visitor's Center, or from Twenty Mile Ranger Station across the ridge. The route from Cades Cove is shorter and easier. The flame azaleas atop Gregory's Bald come in an unusual assortment of colors. If you are lucky, you might come across some deer on top as well.

Rhododendron are extremely common throughout the region. The purple ones bloom on the high balds in late June, while the ones in the valleys and along streams are white, and bloom later, in July. Andrew's Bald, near Clingman's Dome, usually has a fine display of rhododendron in May or June, and can have mountain laurel and azaleas then as well.

Great Smoky Mountains