Sat, Jun 2 2012 - Gregory Bald Azalea Hike (View Original Event Details)
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What a bright, clear, cool, AWESOME DAY on Gregory Bald - we hit it absolutely perfectly with the weather and the blooms.
5 of us went up Friday night and camped below Fontana Dam on a comfortably cool night. The next day, those of us camping went to the lodge for a huge buffet breakfast and loaded up with a massive amount of protein and carbs knowing it would all be burned off in a few hours. It was a clear cool morning with a temperature of about 55 degrees when we began the hike. And although it warmed throughout the hike, we remained in the mid-50’s with the altitude gain we were achieving during the hike.
The entire group made the 7.5 miles with 3,400 feet of ascent to the summit in a respectable 2 hours and 40 minutes (a couple making it in just 2 hours and 15 minutes). We were all rewarded with spectacular long distance views due to the bright clear skies, topped off with the fantastic azaleas in full bloom. After spending a good amount of time meandering through the fields of azaleas and blueberries (which don’t ripen until August) we ate lunch and began the trek down the mountain on different trails. We seemed to go down forever and ever over the next 8 miles until we reached the mountain creek cascade where we hung out for a while to appreciate the blooming rhododendron and waterfall.
After arriving back at the cars (earlier than expected) the weather was still beautiful, so we decided to stop by Fonatana Dam – the highest dam in the east - for some additional sightseeing. We toured the visitor center and then walked across the 480 foot-high dam (completing a small section of the AT) taking some photos and absorbing the impressive sights. What a great way of polishing off a fantastic day!
Thanks to Aaron for this photo album… http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajraenz/sets/72157630051190472/
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