Roan Highlands

Roan Mountain is home to the longest stretch of balds in Southern Appalachia. The Appalachian Trail traverses the Roan Highlands for 19 miles and crosses thousands of acres of grassy balds. Atop massive 6,285-foot Roan Mountain, rhododendron gardens are the most extensive in the world. Old-growth forests flank the balds. Over 800 species of plants grow here, including 250 rare species. Carvers Gap provides easy access to the A.T. and the balds.