I came upon Roan Mountain by accident in 1982 while back packing on the Appalachian Trail. I had no idea that near its spruce-fir covered peak I would find the world’s largest naturally occurring rhododendron garden. It is part of the Tennessee State Park system and there were side trails running through the garden that span some 600 acres. My timing was accidental, as well, as the garden was in full bloom and I had it to myself. No one else was there as I walked around for well over an hour. Leaving the gardens and crossing Roan High Knob, one descends into Carver Gap and climbs Round Bald, the largest bald in the Southern Appalachians. Within the next 15 miles or so, one crosses four more beautiful open grassy balds with clear views in all directions. This photo was taken this past Sunday, 34 years after I first encountered the beauty of The Roan Highlands.