Roan Highlands Trails
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 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.
Always remember to leave no trace and recreate responsibly.
Spruce-fir forest found in the Carver’s Gap to Cloudland section of trail (Rob Campbell, USFS)
View from Round Bald as seen from the Round Bald to Carver’s Gap section of trail (Rob Campbell, USFS)