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Roan Mountain State Park

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Roan Mountain State Park is one of our favorite places to go as a family. The drive takes about an hour from Johnson City, so we head out early and eat breakfast in the car.

The Visitor’s Center is a great first stop to learn about the area, also if you need a restroom because Carver’s Gap is about 15-20 minutes away and it only has a pit toilet. There was some interesting information about the balds and how the area is unique. I didn’t realize that it was studied by a number of botanists back in the late 1800s and early 1900s. No one really knows why the tops of the mountains are bald, although there are some theories. There is an old waterwheel and a room with some antique items. The boys got a lesson on what a chamber pot is used for! On this visit we decided to hike the two short trails located behind the Visitor’s Center rather than driving up to the top since we’d never been there before. Both trails were short, approximately 1 mile loops. It was perfect for the kids and me since I was just 4 weeks postpartum on this visit. The first trail took us to the old cave from the mining operation. Here we had our first picture taken as a family of 5, and just had fun wandering the woods along the river.

Now for our favorite part of Roan Mountain State Park! We love the hike at Carver’s Gap. It is part of the Appalachian Trail. It’s well traveled and always clean. On pretty summer days, it can be difficult to find parking near the trail head, but there is another gravel parking area a few hundred yards past the sign. Remember, it’s usually at least 15 degrees cooler up there than at the base so dress accordingly and be prepared for the wind too.

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The Carver’s Gap portion is nice because it starts near the peak of the mountain. It’s easy enough for the kids, but still offers gorgeous views for the adults. We usually pack a lunch, hike out about an hour and a half, eat, then head back. Near the beginning you enter a pine forest before exiting on the bald. The kids love the forest because it’s like you entered a darker, more secret space. They climb the rocks and swing on branches. After we make it out onto the bald, they climb on every big rock we pass. They have so much fun exploring. There are gorgeous spots for photo ops and enough other hikers that someone is usually willing to offer to be your photographer. Depending on the time of year you can find huckleberries, blueberries, or blackberries along the trail.

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The campground is a popular destination. The campsites are tucked onto the side of the mountain. Some of them are a little more tightly squeezed in so check the map out or call the office for recommendations if you haven’t been. Keep in mind they typically book out well in advance, especially for the Fall.

We have only driven up to the homestead, but we haven’t explored it. We are usually tired and hungry by that point and ready to make the drive back home. Maybe next time!

Roan Mountain is a small town, with only a few restaurants to choose from. There have been times we couldn’t wait to get home or to Elizabethton, so we have eaten at Puerto Nuevo, the local mexican restaurant. It was quite nice and our food was delicious. There is also a local burger joint that is frequented by AT hikers and comes with good reviews from them.