America's Best State Parks: Floral Extravaganza

Awash in purple rhododendrons and flame azaleas come spring, Roan Mountain State Park, near the Tennessee-North Carolina state line, is a petal peeper’s dream come true. Walk through tunnels of blooms on the 1.9-mile Fred Behrend Trail, and then head 10 miles south to Tollhouse Gap to walk through the world’s largest natural rhododendron garden, just outside the park.

Trailhead: Campground

Season: March through November; peak bloom is in late June.

Permit: $2/vehicle