When Is Peak Time For Graggy Gardens Rhododendrons

For scenic vista views, colorful wildflowers, and beautiful hiking trails, be sure to stop at Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located 40 minutes from Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds, this picturesque natural area is one of the top destinations along the parkway. Begin exploring with our guide below for the perfect day trip during your Asheville vacation.

What makes Craggy Gardens so special?

Part of what makes Craggy Gardens so unique is the colorful display of rhododendrons that bloom every year in the spring. The Catawba rhododendrons produce 100s of pink and purple blooms that blanket the area, making it the most impressive floral display along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The best place to enjoy the native flowers is with a short hike from the Visitor Center via the Craggy Gardens Trail.

In addition to the beautiful flowers you can see, the area is also known for its "craggy" trees. The gnarled, twisted trees combined with the exposed rocky outcrops create a unique landscape and a bountiful habitat for rare and endangered plants. Because of this, Craggy Gardens has been recognized as a Natural Heritage Area.

Best time to see the rhododendrons

The peak time to see the rhododendrons is in early to mid-June when a large area of pink and purple native rhododendrons covers the slopes and summits of the craggy mountains. If you can't make it time to see the rhododendrons, don't worry! Throughout the summer other wildflowers make their presence known with more vibrant colors covering the garden meadows.

Discover other places in Asheville to enjoy spring flowers.

Where to stop

There are three different areas to visit:

Milepost 367.6 – The Craggy Gardens Picnic area and Craggy Gardens Trail to Craggy Flats. Open late May through October.
Milepost 364.4 – Craggy Gardens Visitor Center. Open late May through October.
Milepost 364.1 – Accessible hiking to panoramic views from Craggy Pinnacle.

Hiking at Craggy Gardens

One of the best ways to see the Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway is with one of the several hiking trails available. These trails offer breathtaking views of distant mountain ridges, the summits of the craggies, and of course the colorful rhododendron display.

Craggy Gardens Trail –This trail is accessed from the south end of the Visitor Center parking or the north end of the picnic area. This moderate 1.9-mile trail brings hikers to mountaintop views, a picnic area, a small gazebo, and a stunning display of the rhododendrons.
Craggy Pinnacle Trail – This trail offers the best views with very little effort. The 20-minute walk begins at the Craggy Dome parking overlook. Enjoy beautiful 360-degree views at the summit and tunnels of rhododendrons and gnarled trees as you begin the walk.

Other more challenging hikes that can be accessed from the area include the Snowball Mountain Trail, Mountains-to-sea Trail, and the Douglas Falls Trail.

What type of weather to expect

Because of the 5,500-foot of elevation, the area reaches, Craggy Gardens is known to have dramatic weather conditions. Strong winds, ice storms, and dense fog can be expected throughout the year. During the summer, you most likely will only encounter fog and cooler temperatures than in town.

Stay at Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds

Another great way to see rhododendrons and other stunning spring blooms are with a stay at Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds. At our property, spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The first signs of the season can be seen with our hundreds of daffodils and azaleas blooming and eventually, our forsythias burst into full bloom with our rhododendrons.

Choose from twenty-five uniquely decorated mountain cabins that are beautifully situated within a 40-acre woodland garden, adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Guests will enjoy nature at its best with mountain streams, a stocked trout fish pond, tranquil fountains, and expansive green space with colorful gardens.

What are you waiting for? Book your stay with us today!