A couple of years ago I shared a neat place to visit, a hidden gem right in my own backyard, so to speak, called Happy Hollow Gardens. And last Sunday, I shared a picture of Keith taken this year at Happy Hollow Gardens.
We made a little day trip there to view the many azaleas in bloom every spring. It is magical.
It is only a few miles from our house, on top of Chestnut Mountain.
And in the Spring, it is loaded with beautiful azaleas, in all colors. In the 1950’s, the park was a private residence and home to a nursery.
Since it was so suitable for azaleas, they became a specialty of the nursery and can be found in several different sections of the gardens.
In 1985 the land became a park in Roanoke County.
Today there are several trails, including the Azalea Trail.
All in all there are about two miles of trails through the wooded property.
We have only been in the spring, but I am sure it is just as pretty in any season.
And the azalea bushes are huge. I don’t know how old they are, but you can tell they have been there for many, many years.
Some of the paths are board walks situated above the forest floor so that you are walking right through the tops of the azaleas. And they connect the parking area to the shelter, which is nice for picnics or other get-togethers.
And if you are ready, you can take the short hike from that area over a hill on the Azalea Trail to where the small amphitheater sits.
And there are always lots of wildflowers along the path, along with mosses and ferns and other wonderful finds on the forest floor.
Near the amphitheater, there are several bright fuchsia colored azaleas.
They are really stunning.
And they really are bright against the early spring greens and browns of the woodland park.
And these stand taller than Keith and I, so you can tell they have been here a while.
And there are a few buildings on the property, like the original log cabin house and some barns and sheds.
And there is a creek that runs through the property.
Heading back to where we were parked was a lower trail by the creek and a large group of white azaleas.
These are just a beautiful as the colored azaleas. Very pristine and clean looking.
And just huge old growth groups of bushes.
They look lovely in the dappled sunlight of spring.
And soon we were back by the shelter and the large group of white, pink and red azaleas that greeted us when we arrived.
And this is a great place to have a picture taken.
So we took one last look at this spring’s azalea show and headed back to our car. We enjoyed this hidden gem right in our own backyard and are so thankful to the family that gave this gift to the county for all to enjoy.
What hidden gems lie close to your home that would make a great day trip for someone?
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