The Roan Highlands are a rich and diverse cluster of high elevation mountains stretching along the North Carolina and Tennessee border. Learn more about their globally unique ecosystems and world-class recreational opportunities.

Roan Mountain comprises the greater part of the Roan Highlands, a 20-mile (32 km) massif stretching from Big Rock Creek on the west to U.S. Route 19 on the east. Most of this massif lies along the Tennessee - North Carolina border, between Carter County and Mitchell County.

Mar 29, 2023 · Hike the Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap over Roan’s rolling highlands on Roan Mountain’s most popular hike. The AT meanders through grassy, wildflower-covered fields and wild blueberry thickets to exceptional 360-degree summit views at Round Bald, Jane Bald, and Grassy Ridge Bald.

Jun 18, 2022 · The Roan Highlands is one of the most scenic sections of the Appalachian Trail. It's located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The highlight of the trip is the mountaintop grassy balds providing amazing views.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs directly through the Roan Highlands, which is often cited as the most scenic stretch of the A.T. in the entire southeast. The section of trail going west from Carver’s Gap is marked by high elevation spruce-fir forests and steep, rocky summits, while the section going east is predominantly grassy balds.

Look for rock outcrops, lush wildflower displays and high-elevation mountain balds and spruce-fir forests. In June, experience some of the most prolific Rhododendron bloom in the region. Hike for one day or several on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Map showing recreational areas. Map Information.

The Roan Highlands are a series of high elevation mountains that stretch along the North Carolina and Tennessee border. The Roan encompasses a 20-mile massif (a tight cluster of peaks and ridges) in total.

Dec 6, 2023 · The Highlands of Roan is a showcase of biological diversity, punctuated by grassy balds, rhododendron gardens, high-elevation rock outcrops, southern Appalachian bogs, and rich spruce-fir forests.

Dec 26, 2024 · Known as the Highlands of Roan, these mountain peaks and ridges, for the most part above 4,000 feet in elevation, are renowned for their exceptional biological diversity and magnificent beauty.

Sep 12, 2017 · The Roan Highlands are home to grassy balds, rhododendron gardens, high-elevation rock outcrops, and rich spruce-fir forests. The Roan’s ecosystem is one of the richest repositories of temperate zone biodiversity on earth, including more federally listed plant species than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.