Roan Highlands Trails

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.

Two additional trails can be reached from the Roan Mountain Day Use Area: the 1.2-mile Cloudland Trail and the 1-mile Roan Mountain Garden Trail.

Always remember to leave no trace and recreate responsibly.

Spruce-fir forest at Roan Mountain

Spruce-fir forest found in the Carver’s Gap to Cloudland section of trail (Rob Campbell, USFS)

Round Bald at Roan Highlands

View from Round Bald as seen from the Round Bald to Carver’s Gap section of trail (Rob Campbell, USFS)