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Hikes with panoramic views similar to the Roan Highlands in Western NC and Eastern TN:
Little Hump Mountain and Hump Mountain from Roaring Creek Road
Directions to the end of Roaring Creek Road, also knows as the Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead, may be found here. The last part of the road is gravel but generally passable by passenger vehicles. The old road continues 0.7 miles past the gate to intersect a blue-blazed trail which leads right and uphill 0.2 miles to junction with the Appalachian Trail (A. T.) at historic Yellow Mountain Gap. A left turn on the A. T. leads 3.7 miles to the Grassy Ridge side trail. A right turn leads 1.6 miles to Little Hump Mountain, a large grassy bald at an elevation of 5459’. It is 2.2 miles further to the 5587’ summit of Hump Mountain. These are among the most expansive and scenic of the Southern Appalachian balds. (Photo by Travis Bordley, SAHC)
Hump Mountain from U. S. Highway 19E
The Appalachian Trail at U. S. 19E is 0.9 miles west of the Tennessee/North Carolina state line (in Tennessee) and 5.8 miles from the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center. There is room for a few cars on the Trail south side of the highway, where the hike begins. More parking is available on the Trail north side of the highway, but use caution crossing the road with some high speed traffic. From the Trailhead it is 3.0 miles to scenic, grassy Doll Flats. Wildflowers are abundant in season. The A. T. continues 1.6 miles past Doll Flats to the edge of Hump Mountain, one of the largest Southern Appalachian balds. The summit with spectacular, 360° views is 0.8 miles further. In cloudy or foggy weather pay particular attention to the Trail route, marked with white-blazed posts. (Photo by Don Pugh)
Grandfather Mountain State Park trails
Grandfather Mountain State Park, separate from the paid tourist attraction, has 13 miles of trails. Some are quite rugged, with ladders and cables; all are scenic. Free permits are required and must be filled out at the trailhead prior to hiking. The closest trailhead to the Roan Highlands is the Profile Trail, near the intersection of N. C. Highways 105 and 184 outside Banner Elk. Directions to the trailhead, 21 miles from the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center, are here. (Photo from NC Div. Parks & Recreation)
Sam’s Gap to Big Bald
Sam’s Gap to Big Bald is 13 mile out-and-back hike on the Appalachian Trail near the North Carolina/Tennessee border. While the trail is long and strenuous at points, the 360° view at the top of Big Bald is spectacular. For a shorter trip with a rewarding view, you can take the trail for approximately 2 miles to enter a grassy meadow full of wildflowers. This is also a great spot to take a break and rest before continuing to Big Bald. (Image: Rob Campbell (USFS))
Flat Rock Trail
(Blue Ridge Parkway)
This easy 0.7 mile loop features great views of Grandfather Mountain and the Roan Highlands. Signs point out interesting biological and geological information. Flat Rock Trail is located at milepost 308.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, 21 miles from the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center. (Photo by Steven L. Markos, from National Park Planner)
Beacon Heights Trail
(Blue Ridge Parkway)
This easy 0.3 mile (one way) trail climbs to spectacular views of Grandfather Mountain, Hawksbill and Table Rock from the 4205’ summit. The path intersects the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail and the Tanawha Trail. Parking is available at Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 305.3 and at NC Road 1513. The trailhead is 22 miles from the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center and 1.3 miles from the Grandfather Mountain entrance gate. (Photo by Steven L. Markos, from national Park Planner)
Elk Knob State Park
Elk Knob State Park is 11 miles north of Boone and 44 miles from the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center. Directions to the main trailhead leading 1.9 miles to the summit may be found here. At 5520’ elevation, Elk Knob is the third highest state park in North Carolina after Mt. Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain. The trail features two superb overlooks (one looking towards Roan), beautiful flame azalea and rhododendron. Picnicking and backcountry camping are also available. Rare plants include Gray’s lily, Roan bluet, spreading avens, and northern disjunct species. (Photo Summit south view in the spring, J. Mickey from NC Div. Parks & Rec)
When visiting any of the above trails, it is important to follow the same rules you would follow at the Roan Highlands. Be considerate of all wildlife, plants, and other visitors, respect the privacy of nearby residents, stay on trails, and always remember to leave no trace and recreate responsibly.
