Where is roan

More difficult hikes start at Carver's Gap and use the Appalachian Trail. For example, you can hike southwest up to the summit recreation area via the A. But it's well worth the effort. This stretch of the A. It passes through long stretches of beautiful, intact spruce-fir forests growing around Roan High Knob.

If you'd like to "climb" Roan Mountain, fee-free and without parking your car right at the top, this would be the route to take. As you pass the knob, a side trail to the left directs you to the A. The actual summit is just uphill from the shelter. Just past Roan High Knob, you reach the recreation area.

Bear left to go through the old Cloudland hotel site, and connect to the Cloudland Trail. You can reach Roan High Bluff via that trail in 1.

Going northeast from Carver's Gap, the Appalachian Trail passes over a number of spectacular balds - starting with Round Bald, the easiest to reach and most popular for that reason. But as you keep going, the crowds diminish and you reach even more spectacular balds, starting with Jane Bald.

Out-and-back hikes of just about any length on this stretch of trail are highly recommend, perhaps stopping at one of the balds or gaps in between. The rhododendron gardens extend off and on all along this stretch of the A. Don't forget the blueberries which grow among the rhododendrons and ripen in mid August, and bring your camera no matter when you hike! In addition to the camping and lodging options listed below, the State Park offers a variety of things to do including more walking and hiking trails 12 miles of them , a swimming pool, playgrounds, volleyball, horseshoes, ping-pong, basketball, softball, tennis, picnicking, a game room, and more.

The bathhouses have hot showers. Firewood, bedding and towels are provided by the park. While it is pretty far from any major towns, there are a variety of good ways to get to Roan Mountain. Carvers Gap is located where NC Hwy. Please use a map! Straighter Route: This route is longer, but if you or your passengers easily get car sick, this is the way you'll need to go.

Take Exit 31 to Elizabethton - US Proceed through the park and up the mountain to Carvers Gap on the NC state line. Scenic Route: This route is shorter, but much curvier with more intersections. The ft. You can drive out farther to the end of the loop and catch the trail for only a half-mile hike to the Bluff. Some claim the name refers to the roan or reddish color of the mountain when rhododendrons bloom in June or the mountain ash berries appear in September.

The Carver's Gap parking area is open year-round receives a lot of snow each winter. You can walk or cross country ski into that area all winter. See photos of a spectacular winter hike on Roan. Weather The summits are always cooler sometimes degrees colder than 13 miles downhill in Bakersville , especially if covered in clouds.

The winter is long with a lot of snow. Bring a jacket even on summer days. The weather can be much cooler here and change quickly.

So be prepared. And this is not a good place to be during a thunderstorm! Clouds often cover the summits and high winds often blow across the balds. Driving From Asheville allow 1. It's about 13 miles north of Bakersville, NC on Highway Be ready for curvy, mountain roads. Favorite Route from Asheville About 65 miles allow 1. Skip to main content. Search form Search.

Go another 18 miles through Burnsville or stop for lunch or exploring downtown. Turn right onto NC South toward Bakersville 5. In Bakersville, turn left onto NC North and go Read about this scenic drive. Roan High Knob and Roan High Bluff scale over feet, clad in lush, rocky, moss-covered forests of spruce-fir. Hike through the Roan Highlands to outstanding summit views from soaring mountains, through mossy, rocky forests, and to sun-drenched fields of wild berries on the Appalachian Trail.

The AT meanders through grassy, wildflower-covered fields and wild blueberry thickets to exceptional degree summit views at Round Bald, Jane Bald, and Grassy Ridge Bald. Dropping from the Highlands, the hike follows the Appalachian Trail through scenic hardwood forest at Yellow Mountain and dips through Yellow Mountain Gap to visit the Overmountain Shelter, a historic red barn with gorgeous valley views.

Hike the Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap to Round Bald, Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge for nearly continuous, exceptional wintertime views, and catch beautiful frosty-weather sunrises and sunsets from the trio of rolling summits. Hiking gear list: our favorite, trail-tested gear Ready to hit the trail, but wondering what to pack?