This is the home of the Gray’s Lilly and of so many opportunities for adventure. It’s beautiful across all seasons. | Photos by JC Garcia
Why You Should Hike Roan Mountain
A trek across the Roan Highlands is the stuff hiking dreams are made of. Sometimes it literally feels like a dream, when the wind is blowing across the balds and the sun is getting low on the horizon.
There’s something for nearly every age and every level of fitness–from a couple-mile jaunt to Round Bald to a multi-day trek through some of the most beautiful Appalachian balds, forests and fields in the eastern United States. In winter, it’s known for world class cross country skiing.
RELATED | Camping on Roan Mountain
There’s really not a bad hike in this place, unless you get stuck in some of the rhododendron tunnels during the height of their bloom–but that’s the price you have to pay if you’re a rhodo flower lover. The Gray’s Lillies are also spectacular, of course.
But the spring to mid-June bloom of all these flora is also at the height of the tourist season, so come early in the day if you choose to brave the crowds swarming the Catawba Rhododendron. Parking is at a premium in Carver’s Gap, but a trip here is nearly always worth the effort. In winter, the cross country skiing and snowshoeing are world class.
VARIETY OF TRAIL CONFIGURATIONS. Dozens-of-miles network
DIFFICULTY. Easy to Moderate to Strenuous (depending on the trail)
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. Rhodo season is crowded.
HIKE WNC | ROOTS RATED | THE HIKING PROJECT | ALL TRAILS
