Alternative Hikes

Note: Roan Mountain Recreation Area will be closed during repairs for the 2024 season. The area to be closed 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. We ask that visitors plan accordingly.

Here are some alternative hiking experiences to consider during the gate closure:

  1. Appalachian Trail from Hughes Gap to Cloudland: Although the shortest hike to the Cloudland Hotel Site will be the 2.2 miles from Carvers Gap, a pleasant change of scenery with fewer visitors is using the A. T. from Hughes Gap to walk to Cloudland and back, a round trip of about 9 miles. Hughes Gap is also on the state line, 6.4 miles from the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center; directions can be found here. The road is winding from both sides; part of it in North Carolina is gravel but it is well-maintained. The A. T. heading Trail north gains 2110’ in 4.4 miles with many switchbacks in the upper sections replacing the former very steep route. Ash Gap at 3.0 miles from Hughes Gap provides a pleasant respite. Upon reaching the open area at the Cloudland Hotel site, please remain in that vicinity. The area to be closed includes the rhododendron gardens, Roan High Bluff, Cloudland parking area, and Cloudland Trail.

    In the opposite, Trail south direction from Hughes Gap is another good destination, Little Rock Knob at 4918’; cliffs at 2.3 miles from Hughes Gap provide fine views.

  2. Roan Mountain State Park: Roan Mountain State Park features approximately 12 miles of day use hiking trails and 3 miles of bicycling trails open for hiking, ranging from easy walks of less than 0.5 miles to more challenging trails of up to 2.8 miles. Many loops and connections can be made with several locations in which to park. Maps of the park with trails can be found here and at the Visitors Center.

  3. Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area: Hampton Creek Cove (HCC) is a Tennessee State Natural Area covering 693 acres between 3000’ and 4800’ elevation, about 5 miles from the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center; directions can be found here. Four trails within the HCC and adjoining portion of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVNHT) within the Cherokee National Forest extend for about 7 miles. Features include the rushing, trout-filled Hampton Creek, beautiful wildflowers and large trees, and the historic crossing of Yellow Mountain Gap taken by the Overmountain Men during their march to the Battle of Kings Mountain. The patriots referred to the crossing of 4682’ Yellow Mt. Gap in late September 1780 as having snow “shoe mouth deep.” The Battle of Kings Mountain was called by Thomas Jefferson “the turn of the tide of success” for the American Revolution. The OVNHT stretches 330 miles from Virginia to Kings Mountain; the portion from HCC to Yellow Mt. Gap is close to 4 miles.

  4. Mount Mitchell State Park: Mt. Mitchell State Park is North Carolina’s first (1915) and encompasses the highest mountain in the Eastern U. S. Catawba rhododendron and purple fringed orchids abound on Mt. Mitchell and the surrounding high country. There are approximately 9 miles of trails within the park, all of which is above 6000’. In addition to the short trail to the summit the Black Mountain Crest Trail is particularly scenic, traversing a dozen peaks above 6000’ within 6 miles. This trail and others, including the Mt. Mitchell Trail and a very scenic section of the nearby North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail, continue into the Pisgah National Forest. Mt. Mitchell State Park is 65 miles from the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center and 31 miles from the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville; directions can be found here.

  5. Mount Mitchell Trail: The Mount Mitchell Trail climbs 3,684’ in 5.6 miles from the Pisgah National Forest Black Mountain Recreation Area to the summit. The shortest route for a car shuttle is only 13 miles but requires over 30 minutes using the gravel South Toe River Road which links the trailhead to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Black Mt. Recreation Area is 54 miles from the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center and about 45 miles from the Folk Art Center; directions are here.

  6. Colbert Ridge Trail: The Colbert Ridge Trail starts near the beautiful Carolina Hemlocks Day Use Area, which features swimming and wading the South Toe River, picnicking, camping, and a 1 mile nature loop. There is a $5 fee for day use and fees for camping. To reach the Colbert Ridge Trail from Carolina Hemlocks, proceed north on N. C. Highway 80 for 0.4 miles, turn left onto Colbert Creek Road (State Route 1158), and continue 0.5 miles to the trailhead, right. The Colbert Ridge Trail climbs steeply, 2950’ in 3.6 miles, to a junction with the rugged Black Mountain Crest Trail in Deep Gap. To the left is 4 miles to Mt. Mitchell. The Colbert Ridge Trailhead is 48 miles from the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center and about 45 miles from the Folk Art Center; directions are here.

  7. Craggy Gardens Picnic Area: Craggy Gardens Picnic Area off the Blue Ridge Parkway (NPS) has a large parking lot, picnic sites, and opportunities to hike and view rhododendron.

  8. Beauty Spot: Beauty Spot is a scenic mountain overlook on the Cherokee National Forest near Erwin, TN. The site has mountain views and rhododendron easily accessible by vehicle.