The heart of “leaf season” is still a few weeks away here in Western North Carolina. However, we recently spent some time at Roan Mountain State Park, found just over the North Carolina border in Tennessee. This great little park and surrounding area is amazingly biodiverse, and will be a perfect place to see the fall colors on full display in October.
The 2000-acre Roan Mountain State Park is located at the base of Roan Mountain on TN Highway 143. It is about a 40-minute drive to the park from Johnson City, TN and about 90 minutes from Asheville, NC. Roan Mountain State Park is a great place to spend a day, but there is enough to do in and around the park that you could easily spend a few days exploring the area.
Just outside the border of the park, is nearby Roan Mountain. As we discovered, Roan Mountain is not a single mountain. It is actually what is known as a massif, a group of 5 peaks stretching for some 20 miles in the Unaka Mountain Range. The Roan Mountain massif makes up the largest portion of the Roan Highlands, and these highlands are home to one of the most biodiverse temperate zones on earth. More than 800 different plants and nearly 200 bird species can be found there!
There is also a ton of history associated with Roan Mountain, going back to the indigenous people who originally inhabited the area. In addition, early Spanish explorers came to the area searching for gold. In colonial times, renowned botanists came to the area to document the unique flora and fauna that was unlike any other found in the southern portions of what was to become the United States. In the mid to late 1800’s mining of iron ore blossomed, bringing more attention to this part of the country. Eventually, in 1885, a large, 166-room hotel called the Cloudland Hotel was built atop Roan Mountain, and you can even hike to the site of that hotel today.
When to Go
Roan Mountain State Park is open year-round and annual events are scheduled during every month, except for December and January. Since the elevation of the surrounding mountains reaches over 6200 feet, snow is much more likely there during the winter. So, be sure to check road conditions before heading out to the park in the heart of winter.
That said, almost any month is a good time to go. However, we would recommend visiting from April through early November for the best weather. Also, keep in mind that no matter when you visit, even in the heart of summer, it can get pretty windy and chilly in the Roan Highlands. So, if you plan to hike there, be sure to bring along appropriate clothing.
Where to Stay
• Camping in the Park
More than 100 camp sites can be found in the State Park’s campground. Most of these sites are intended for RVs, but there are about 20 tent sites available. All camp sites have water, fire pits, picnic tables and grills. A bathhouse with hot showers is also available. Rates range from $17 to about $40, depending on the campsite and dates.
• Rental Cabins
One of our favorite features of the park are the wonderful rental cabins. These cabins are not fancy, but they are clean, modern, fully equipped and sleep from 6 or 8 people. The cabins are spaced out and we found the area to be quiet and peaceful. Keep in mind that there are no televisions in the cabins, and Wi-Fi access is available at the nearby park office. So, these cabins are a perfect place to ‘disconnect’ for a couple of days.
By the way, you can even bring your pup! Ten of the cabins are designated as dog-friendly, although there is a $20 per night charge for each pet.
• Amenities
– Swimming Pool – During the summer, both a large swimming pool and a wadding pool for small children are available in the park. A small fee is required. Cabin or camping guest will receive a discounted admission.
– Playgrounds – Several nice playgrounds are available near the pool and cabins.
– Tennis Courts – Well maintained, fenced tennis courts are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
– Meeting Space/Amphitheater – A conference center is located near park office and large rooms are available to rent for meetings, family reunions and weddings, etc. A huge fireplace, catering kitchen, ice maker and tables and chairs are all available. An outdoor amphitheater that holds 100 people is also available for rent.
– Game Room – A public game room is also located in the conference center.
Things to Do
• Picnicking – Roan Mountain State Park is the perfect place for a picnic. Several pavilions are available to rent throughout the park. In addition, there is also a very large, fully shaded picnic area with a lot of tables and grills.
• Fishing – The Doe River runs through the park and is well known for trout fishing. In addition, the park is close to productive fishing areas, including the nearby Watauga River.
• Miller Farmhouse Tour – The Miller Farmstead is located within the park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Place. The farmhouse was constructed in the early 1900’s and is a prime example of an Appalachian-style farm. The homestead has many of its original features and provides an interesting glimpse into life of rural, subsistence farmers.
• Biking – There are several miles of mountain biking trails throughout the park, as well as plenty of paved roadway for traditional biking.
• Hiking Inside the Park – Hiking is our favorite activity at Roan Mountain and there are some fantastic hiking opportunities in and around the park. Within the park there are some 12-miles of hiking trails. Many of these are relatively easy and very family friendly.
• Hiking at Carver’s Gap – Our favorite places to hike are actually located just outside the park boundary at Carver’s Gap. Carver’s Gap is located at over 5,500 feet and is surrounded by the Roan Highlands. Parking and restroom facilities are available at the Gap.
• The Appalachian Trail (AT) traverses this area and several great day hikes originate from this spot. However, we will just discuss a couple of them here. These two hikes are in fact almost totally different, but both are quite enjoyable.
– Grassy Ridge Bald – This hike begins across the road from the parking lot at Carver’s Gap and immediately ascends via a gravel trail through rhododendrons. After a short trip through some shady balsams, the trail emerges into open, grassy area known as Round Bald. It only takes 15-20 minutes to reach this spot and is really not very difficult. So, even if you only go this far, the hike is well worth doing. The 360-degree views from atop the bald are outstanding.
Continue eastward on the AT to reach Jane Bald, followed by the enormous Grassy Ridge Bald. The trail descends and ascends as it traverses each of the balds, and the views just get better and better all along the way. The total distance out and back is just under 5 miles and a couple portions are moderately strenuous. However, you can always choose to turnaround at any point.
– Roan High Knob – If you are looking for a hike through lush forest, give the Roan High Knob hike a try. From the Carver’s Gab parking area, take the AT west through the forest. After passing a few streams, the hike begins a steady uphill climb and there are a number of switchbacks until the trail flattens a bit. The trail passes a side trail that leads to a cabin, the highest shelter on the entire AT!
Roan High Knob itself does not really offer any views, at least not in full foliage. The rock outcropping is surrounded by trees and unfortunately there is not much to see. Still, we enjoyed the hike and if the weather is really warm or windy, this forested nature of this hike would offer a lot of protection from the weather. It took us about 2 hours to hike to Roan High Knob and back to the parking lot.
TIP: Remember that all of these hikes are over a mile high. The weather changes quickly at these elevations. Even if you are only planning to be on the trail for a couple of hours, bring a jacket – even in the summer!
We have made 3 trips to Roan Mountain State Park and we still have a lot more to do and see. We especially enjoy the hiking near Carver’s Gap, so we will definitely return during leaf season to take in some more stunning views!
If you find yourself in this part of the country, plan on spending a little time in the park or in the highlands. It is amazingly beautiful and you will definitely not regret it!
Until next time, safe travels!
As always, another great informative article. Keep up the good work!