Roan Mountain Tennessee ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO

1. Roan Mountain State Park Spanning over 2,000 acres of preserved southern Appalachian forest at the base of 6,285-foot Roan Mountain, this park offers hiking trails along creeks and ridges, trout fishing in the crystal clear Doe River, and opportunities to spot wildflowers and wildlife including black bears and deer. Visitors can enjoy swimming, tennis, ranger-led educational programs, mountain music concerts, and tours of a century-old farmhouse.

2. Carver's Gap This major cleft in one of the South's great ridges serves as a popular trailhead along the Appalachian Trail, offering access to spectacular alpine-like meadows and grassy balds with panoramic views. The gap sits at the crossroads where hikers can trek east toward Round Bald or west toward Roan Mountain's twin summits that reach nearly 6,300 feet.

3. Roan Mountain Rhododendron Gardens Native Tennessee rhododendrons burst into bloom across these high-elevation gardens accessible via a scenic paved road that climbs across the mountain crest through evergreen forests and meadows. A handicapped-accessible concrete nature trail loops through the gardens, featuring a new observation deck with sweeping views and connecting paths that wind through spruce forests and among the colorful rhododendrons.

4. Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area This protected natural area preserves pristine wildlife habitat and diverse ecosystems within the Roan Mountain region. The site offers visitors a chance to experience undisturbed Appalachian wilderness and observe native flora and fauna in their natural setting.

5. Cloudland Trail Beginning at the Cloudland parking area near the fee kiosk on Roan Mountain, this premier hiking route explores the grassy site once occupied by the famous 1880s Cloudland Hotel. The trail provides access to some of the mountain's most spectacular high-elevation scenery and connects to the extensive trail network across the Roan Highlands.

6. Roan Highlands A 13-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail crosses this string of summits featuring alpine-like meadows, grassy balds, and spectacular panoramic views of the Southern Appalachians. Averaging about 100 inches of annual snowfall, the highlands offer some of the Deep South's best opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow camping.

7. Round Bald East of Carvers Gap along the Appalachian Trail, this grassy bald attracts hikers with its distinctive treeless summit covered in low-lying vegetation rather than dense forest. The open terrain provides spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

8. Doe River Crystal clear waters flow through Roan Mountain State Park, providing excellent opportunities for trout fishing in a pristine mountain setting. The river's cool waters and rocky beds create ideal habitat for rainbow and brown trout.

9. Watauga Lake Recreation Area Cool, clear water reflects the surrounding mountains at one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire TVA system, with the name deriving from a Native American term meaning "beautiful waters." Thirteen species of game fish including rainbow and brown trout, walleye, and smallmouth and largemouth bass inhabit the lake, offering excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.

10. Roan Mountain Riding Company Well-trained quarter horses in excellent condition carry visitors through the scenic mountain terrain surrounding Roan Mountain. The guided horseback riding experiences showcase the natural beauty of the southern Appalachian landscape from a unique vantage point.