The 7th Annual Native Azalea Festival in #YourNaturalDestination will kick off June 1st and last through Sunday June 16th! This year's festival will include an in-person festival, live music, guided azalea walks, community events, and so much more! 

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Top Ways to Celebrate this Year's Native Flame Azalea Bloom

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• Capture the beauty of these incredible blooms and submit your images to the Graham Star's photo contest.  From local, backyard blooms to images of the abundant reds, oranges, and golds atop Hooper Bald, there's countless spots to grab that picture perfect moment. Be sure to pick up a copy of the Graham Star Newspaper or explore their website for the digital publication here. 

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• Enjoy the landscapes all across Graham County, NC along a self-guided, driving tour of easily seen Azalea blooming sites. Meander along the Cheoah River, explore Stecoah Valley, and even head up across the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway for a journey you won't soon forget. Grab your driving guide here. Also available for download at the bottom of this page.  

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• Ready for some "Flaming Hot Wings?" Thinking of trying an Azalea cocktail? Well, keep your eyes peeled as you stop in at our area resorts and restaurants for specials celebrating the annual Native Flame Azalea bloom. Who knows, this may be an opportunity to add to your photography submission for the Graham Star Azalea Photo Contest. 

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• Take a hike atop Hooper Bald for one of the most stunning vistas in the Appalachians. Wind through a secret garden of towering azalea bushes in a rainbow of fiery shades. These self-guided hikes are a great way to explore the beauty of the season along a fairly flat hiking trail. Don't forget your camera, comfortable hiking shoes, water, and snacks. 

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• Plan a picnic! After hiking up to Hooper Bald, plan a picnic at one of the countless pull-offs along the Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway. Many of the seasonal blooms can be enjoyed from your picnic table while taking in sweeping vistas that span states. 

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• Prefer a guided hike? Looking to dig a bit deeper into the history and lore of Hooper Bald? Then it's time to plan ahead for the ever-popular Hooper Bald guided hikes on June 8th & 9th. Be sure to call and register at Travel and Tourism. There's limited space so don't delay!  828.479.3790​

 

Azalea hiking and area touring maps are NOW available at the Graham County Travel and Tourism Office located at 474 Rodney Orr Bypass Robbinsville, NC 28771 

 

Can't make it this year, be sure to Subscribe, Like and Follow our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages. There you can view images from year's past, watch a 360* hike to Hooper Bald, enjoy a virtual hike from the comfort of your home, and even learn about the history and important cultural significance of Hooper Bald and the Native Flame Azalea. 

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