The first mile of this trail is extremely rocky, and easily throws a hiking pace out of whack. At least the lingering thyme leaved bluets, blackberries, and purple fringed orchids feasted the eyes long enough to get me through it. A lot of trail maintenance has been done to this trail. There are several stretches were single log boardwalks have been placed to get hikers across muddy sections. Much appreciated! In other places there are new stair cases to aid in the climb.
When I entered the bald, my predictions were true, unfortunately. The purple catawba rhododendron display that graces this spot had already come and gone. Of course, with the road being closed into June, who knows if many people even saw them at all. The flame azalea on the other were still trucking along. Up top several of them were past peak, but toward the bald's lower half, most of the bushes were in full bloom in various shades of orange. The skies were mostly clear and low lying fog could be seen in the valleys below.