The Roan Highlands are a rich and diverse cluster of high elevation mountains stretching along the North Carolina and Tennessee border.
News & Alerts
Burn Ban - In response to the increased risk of wildfire in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the USDA Forest Service has issued an order prohibiting all burning in the area of Roan Mountain on the Pisgah National Forest’s Appalachian Ranger District as well as in the Cherokee National Forest’s Watauga Ranger District. This restriction is in effect on all National Forest System land from Hughes Gap to Doll Flats on the Appalachian Trail. The restriction includes all campfires, portable stoves, and all other forms of outdoor burning, with the exception of persons using a device solely for cooking and that such device is fueled solely by LPG (liquid petroleum) fuel. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
The Roan Mountain Day Use Area is closed to enable several improvements to the site thanks to the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The closed area includes the rhododendron gardens, Roan High Bluff, Cloudland parking area, and Cloudland Trail. Carver’s Gap and the Appalachian Trail will remain open, but there is limited parking at Carver’s Gap.
Parking - There is limited parking at Carver’s Gap. Please follow all signage for parking limitations, and be aware that there will be enforcement actions in place.
Roan High Knob Shelter is closed for repairs.
Roan Mountain State Park is largely open, but some trails remain closed.
Hampton Creek Cove is fully closed, as is the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
The Roan Highlands are an exceptionally unique ecological region home to dozens of rare, threatened, and endangered species - along with some of the most stunning vistas along the entire Appalachian Trail.
Our vision for the future of the Roan Highlands is to safeguard the biodiversity and exemplary wildlife and plant communities of this outstanding natural heritage area through thoughtful restoration, maintenance, and management. Partnerships, scientific research, and management actions focus on increasing the resiliency of the area to climate change, addressing recreational impacts, minimizing invasive species, and addressing other threats. In our vision, the Roan Highlands remain a premier destination for high quality, low impact recreational opportunities while preserving the ecological integrity of this unique place, now and in perpetuity.
Roan VUM Newsletter
Read the first issue of the Roan Visitor Use Management newsletter. CLICK HERE >>
This website is managed by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in collaboration with the Tennessee Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and United States Forest Service.
