Roan Mountain, TN

A blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron along the concrete path at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron along the concrete path at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A simple dirt path winds through the lower sections of the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A simple dirt path winds through the lower sections of the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A simple dirt path winds through the lower sections of the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A simple dirt path winds through the lower sections of the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A bumblebee works inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A bumblebee works inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A bumblebee works inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A bumblebee works inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A bumblebee works inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A bumblebee works inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Macro shot inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Macro shot inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A blooming flower at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A blooming flower at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A bumblebee works inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A bumblebee works inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A bumblebee works inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

A bumblebee works inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Macro shot inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Macro shot inside a blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron with a view of distant mountains at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron with a view of distant mountains at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron surrounds a scenic overlook at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron surrounds a scenic overlook at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming rhododendron at the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

People enjoy a walk along concrete paths in the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

People enjoy a walk along concrete paths in the Rhododendron Gardens on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming catawba rhododendron along the Cloudland Trail leading to Roan High Bluff on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Blooming catawba rhododendron along the Cloudland Trail leading to Roan High Bluff on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

An interweaving pattern of branches from rhododendron bushes along the Cloudland Trail leading to Roan High Bluff on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

An interweaving pattern of branches from rhododendron bushes along the Cloudland Trail leading to Roan High Bluff on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

With very little soil, a tree has grown atop a large boulder along the Cloudland Trail leading to Roan High Bluff on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

With very little soil, a tree has grown atop a large boulder along the Cloudland Trail leading to Roan High Bluff on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

The view of windswept trees and the continuing mountain range from the scenic overlook on Roan High Bluff on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

The view of windswept trees and the continuing mountain range from the scenic overlook on Roan High Bluff on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

The view of windswept trees and the continuing mountain range from the scenic overlook on Roan High Bluff on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.

The view of windswept trees and the continuing mountain range from the scenic overlook on Roan High Bluff on Roan Mountain near the town of Roan Mountain, TN on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Copyright 2015 Jason Barnette Roan Mountain straddles the border between the towns of Roan Mountain, Tennessee and Bakersville, North Carolina. The top of the mountain is known for having the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the country, maintained and operated by the National Forest Service. The recreation area includes hiking trails, the gardens, scenic overlooks, and the Appalachian Trail.