Craggy Gardens

Trip ideas while visiting Asheville in North Carolina

Craggy Gardens

Craggy Gardens, situated at milepost 364 along the Blue Ridge Parkway, is undeniably the ultimate destination for witnessing wildflowers. It is renowned for its profusion of rhododendron, which transforms the landscape into a stunning display of pink and purple hues during June. Moreover, Craggy Gardens boasts an array of other blossoms like violets, blackberries, May-apples, and Turk’s cap lilies. Exploring this area promises a captivating experience that makes the journey truly worthwhile.

Craggy Gardens offers a delightful floral experience that you can enjoy through hiking. Among the various trails available, the easiest is the Craggy Gardens Trail. It’s a short trail, less than a mile long, where you’ll be able to admire beautiful wildflowers, wander through the forest, and reach a viewpoint that provides a stunning view of the Black Mountain Range.

What makes the trees in the forested area of Craggy Gardens truly fascinating is their unique shapes. These trees have developed twisty roots and branches due to the challenging weather conditions found at higher altitudes. To observe these extraordinary trees, you can also explore the Craggy Pinnacle Trail. As described by the National Park Service, this trail is filled with enchanting “tunnels of rhododendron” and an abundance of wildflowers from the beginning all the way up to its highest point.