Announcing a new Meetup for Outdoor Adventure Club South - Chattanooga!

What: Smoky Mountain Wild Azalea hike

When: Saturday, June 26, 2010 7:00 AM

Where: (A location has not been chosen yet.)

Join us for one of the most spectacular hikes in the Eastern U.S! Gregory Bald comes to life in mid to late June when the world famous flame azaleas burst into bloom.

Azalea lovers from all over the world come here to visit perhaps the finest display of flame azaleas anywhere on the planet. During our visit last year we saw acres of fire red, wine red, orange, salmon, yellow, white, pink, and even multi-colored azaleas.

According to the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, the various hybrids of azaleas on Gregory Bald are so impressive and unique that the British Museum of Natural History has collected samples of them. In addition to roughly 10 acres of grassy bald meadows and flame azaleas, you’ll have stunning views of Cades Cove and the surrounding mountains, as well as plenty of space to enjoy a picnic lunch.

I would go so far as to say that the hike to Gregory Bald during peak flame azalea bloom season should be on the life list of any self-respecting hiker, gardener, or nature lover!

The hike to Gregory Bald isn’t exactly easy. You’ll have to hike more than 5.6 miles and climb over 3000 feet to reach the grassy bald summit.oin us for this killer 15.6 mile hike! Despite the drive and brutal hike, this will be the third time the AOC returns to Gregory Bald, which is famous for the great 360 views from the top and the unique hybridization of the Flame Azaleas. If you have only so far seen the orange ones, you are in for a real treat! Native Azaleas in every shade of orange, yellow, pink and white... DO bring your cameras!

We will be hiking a very strenuous 15.7 miles. This is NOT a beginner hike. If you have never hiked this distance and gained significant elevation, think twice!!!
We will park at the ranger station at Twentymile. We will have an easy .5 mile where we will turn left on Wolf Ridge Trail. It starts off easy, and then climbs relentlessly for miles. This trail will gain over 3000' the next 5 miles to Parsons Bald. From Parsons Bald it will be an easy hike to Gregory Bald Trail which will eventually lead us to Gregory Bald, where the azaleas should be in peak bloom. We will enjoy a leisurely long lunch on Gregory Bald while taking in the amazing 360-degree views, including Cades Cove.

Heres a video with some flame azalea info :


http://youtube.com/watch?v=KZWp3YEJdJM

Learn more here:
http://www.oacs-chattanooga.com/calendar/13572803/