A view of the Doe River as it flows through the Roan Mountain State Park outside of Roan Mountain, TN. While the Appalachian Trail and the other hiking trails at the top of the mountain (within the National Forest) are always popular choices (especially when the Rhododendron and Flame Azalea are blooming), there are more than 12 miles of hiking trails within the state park. There's also a terrific campground in the state park, cabins to rent, fishing, swimming, volleyball, tennis and picnic shelters. An authentic old homestead is located within the park that is open for tours. The campground and cabins are the perfect location for planning a visit to the area - from this central location you can take in all of Roan Mountain, and set out to see nearby attractions such as Elk River Falls, Grandfather Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival is held at the park usually the third or fourth weekend in June.
Check out the official town website for more information about the Festival and check out the official park website for directions, a park map and additional information.
Wow i cant believe it, I never even heard of Roan Mountain State Park when i lived there :(
ReplyDeleteoh son we are most definite going here soon
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be visiting TN in a few weeks and, as a photographer, would love to know which trail the beautiful photo at the top of this post was taken from. I've only driven through the park once to get to the top and have never had the opportunity to explore the trails within the state park.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this fantastic site!
Not sure of the name of the trail, but the bridge is found about 1 mile past the visitors' center on the left as you head up the mountain. There's a small gravel parking area.
ReplyDeleteRecommend checking out the Miller homestead too (if it's open). The trails in the state park are alright, but the views that most people want when they come to Roan are found at the balds accessed from Carvers Gap and from other vantage points atop Roan near the Rhododendron Gardens and the Cloudland site. Not sure when they open the gate to the top of the mountain. Enjoy!
Thanks for the information! I hiked the balds several years ago. Stunning views! I hope to do that hike again as well.
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