This was a short little road trip to Roan Mountain State Park in Tennessee. It is located in the mountains along the Tennessee and North Carolina border. We spent four nights at the state park followed by four nights in Asheville.

Roan Mountain State Park is located at the base of Roan Mountain. TN Hwy 143 runs through the state park and 8 miles right up the mountain. There is a parking area at Carvers Gap that provides hiking access to the Appalachian Trail in either the northeast or southwest direction. From Carvers Gap it is 371 miles south to Springer Mountain, GA or 1803 miles north to Mt Katahdin, ME.

Roan Mountain SP campground

Campsite 46

Doe River running behind our site

We spent one day hiking on the AT southwest from Carvers Gap and a second day hiking on the AT northeast from Carvers Gap. The hike southwest is towards Roan High Knob and where once stood the Cloudland Hotel that was built in 1885. I Can’t imagine a hotel perched up on the mountain top.  Amazing to  think that in 1885 they could drag the building supplies up a mountain to build a huge hotel. I assume we are talking donkey. On our second day we hiked up the Roan Highlands. The mountain ridge with grassy balds provide excellent views. 

Day 1 – Nerak and Kram at Carvers Gap

Day 1 – Nerak giving the universal signal that she likes to hike !!

Day 1 – Hiking on the AT

Day 1 – Near the Cloudland Hotel Site

Day 1 – Nerak has had enough, she is heading home.

Day 2 – Viewing the Roan Highlands

Day 2 – Nerak heading up to Round Bald

Day 2 – Just follow the trail

Day 2 – Somewhere near Round Bald

Day 2 – View from Round Bald