June 20 Gregory Bald

Cades Cove in morning mist

Its bloom time on top of Gregory Bald again. This year, Parsons Branch Road is closed so everyone is hiking up the Gregory Ridge Trail to visit the bald. I counted 48 cars in the parking area and along the road when I left. So that likely translated into over 100 people on the bald today. Its Monday and the bloom is a couple days past peak. There is no telling how many folks made the trek on Saturday and Sunday. 

After spending the night in nearby Townsend, I began the day early, making the 40 minute drive to the parking area. At 7:09am I am on the trail. There are several groups in front of me. After 30 minutes I overtook the first group. They were a group of three American Rhododendron Society members making the pilgrimage. They were so interesting, I decided to hike with them to the campsite at the 2 mile mark. I heard tales of a long procession of visits to azalea and rhododendron haunts in the southeast. They had been to Blood Mountain, Roan Mountain, Hoopers Bald, Andrews Bald and more chasing the blooms over the past few weeks.

After the campsite, I moved ahead until I ran into another couple ARS guys. I hiked with them for a while hearing similar stories. Their pace slowed and I needed to maintain a brisk pace to make the return drive home. The trail seemed relentless until you have almost attained Rich Gap. Just before the gap, the ascent softens. Here, I caught a cool breeze which seemed to breathe new energy into me. Once at Rich Gap, I moderated the pace to arrive at the bald refreshed.

It is always exciting upon entering the bald. the show is about to begin. I had to force myself to stop and put on some gaiters. I'd heard tales of rattlesnakes and someone mentioned a copperhead. Somehow, the thin gaiters made me feel more protected from those creatures. The bald had been mowed recently. Thanks to the ARS for providing the mower and to NPS volunteers who carry up the fuel and ride the mowers through the bald, exposing those snakes in the grass. No snakes for me today. No bears. I did hear a Veery which always delights me.

My seat with a view was waiting for me. The view was Cades Cove below and Maryville and environs beyond. You can't make a lunch reservation for a better seat. 

Azalea lovers of all ages were on the bald today. I saw a few who looked to be in their 80s. I hope that will be me in 20 years, making the 12 mile hike.

After close to an hour, I headed down. For the next hour and a half, I met many folks headed up. Some looked energetic but most looked tired. I saw a few that I thought were not enjoying the climb. 

It had taken me 3 hours and 40 minutes to hike up but only 2 hours for the descent. 

Here she is, "Covergirl"!

See you next year!