Mount Parnassus is a mountain of limestone in central Greece that towers above Delphi, north of the Gulf of Corinth, and offers scenic views of the surrounding olive groves and countryside. Mount Parnassus is named after Parnassos, the son of the nymph Kleodora and the man Kleopompus.

According to Greek mythology, this mountain was sacred to Dionysus and the Dionysian mysteries; it was also sacred to Apollo and the Corycian nymphs, and it was the home of the Muses. The mountain was also favored by the Dorians. As the home of the Muses, Parnassus became known as the home of poetry, music, and learning.

It is suggested that the name derives from parnassus, the possessive adjective of the Luwian word parna meaning house, or specifically temple. So the name effectively means the mountain of the house of the gods.

So that would make Grass of Parnassus the lawn at the house of the mythological gods. Imagine walking barefoot through acres of these stunning white and green wildflowers.

Regardless of whether any of this is true or just myth, it’s fun to consider. What is true is that the significant biodiversity, both in flora and in fauna, led authorities to the establishment of the National Park of Parnassus in 1938. The slopes of Mount Parnassus are composed of two ski sections, Kellaria and Fterolakka, which together make up the largest ski center in Greece.

Grass of Parnassus, also known as bog stars, occur in arctic and alpine habitats, as well as in dune systems and fens, swamps, wet meadows, open seepage areas, and moist woods. In the Southern Appalachians they tend to be found in the high country, above at least 5,000 feet.

I’ve encountered these rare late summer blooms a couple of places: high on Mt. LeConte in the Smokies, and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The North Carolina variety is Parnassia caroliniana, and is considered imperiled. Therefore I’m somewhat coy about exact locations. Poachers and all. If you study my photos below you can get some hints.

Feel free to leave your comments below the gallery.

This post was created by Jeff Clark. Please feel free to use the sharing icons below, or add your thoughts to the comments. Pack it in, pack it out. Preserve the past. Respect other hikers. Let nature prevail. Leave no trace.

The summer solstice occurs when a planet’s rotational axis, in either northern or southern hemispheres, is most inclined toward the Sun. Most cultures have marked this occasion in some ritualized manner and from time immemorial people have acknowledged the rising of the sun on the summer solstice. At Stonehenge, the heelstone marks the midsummer sunrise as seen from the center of the stone circle. At Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, the Chacoan people were intimately aware of all their surroundings. They were close observers of the skies and seasonal cycles, and their observations gave them the invaluable ability to time their agricultural and ceremonial events, which were central to their survival. Stone carvings cast perfect shadows on solstice day. Ancient timepieces can be found throughout the world that record this special day. Worldwide, interpretation of the solstice has varied among cultures, but most recognize the event in some way with holidays, festivals, and rituals with themes of religion or fertility.

My summer solstice 2016 was quite special as well. I started the day picking up trash on the Blue Ridge Parkway for my volunteer efforts with Friends of the BRP. While doing so, I got to engage with a couple of out of state tourists who were looking for great hiking off the Parkway. Boy did I fill their heads with ideas. They seemed excited, and I was happy to give them encouragement. I had a spring in my step as I drove on to the Black Balsam area for a planned ascent of Sam Knob.

It was a beautiful day, starting with perfect hiking temps in the mid-60s. It only got better from there. The meadow at the base of Sam Knob was filled with buttercups, ox eye daisies, and yarrow. The ironweed was just beginning to bud, and I even found some beardtongue. As I made my way up Sam Knob, I discovered that the mountain laurel and flame azalea were in full bloom, and upon reaching the summit so too was the mountain ash and St. John’s wort. A super wildflowery day! To top all that, high wind the previous day had blown out all the usual haze, so the sky was nice and clear and filled with puffy white clouds. What more could I ask for?

This beautiful native azalea can be found in the North Carolina high country above 5,000 feet throughout the month of June. The flowers are usually bright orange, but can vary from pastel orange to dark reddish-orange.

If you would like to make a visit to Sam Knob here is my trail report. In the mean time I hope you enjoy these new photos from my summer solstice trip. Please feel free to leave your comments below the gallery.

This post was created by Jeff Clark. Please feel free to use the sharing icons below, or add your thoughts to the comments. Pack it in, pack it out. Preserve the past. Respect other hikers. Let nature prevail. Leave no trace.