Special Places

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.

Protect This Place

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Popular activities in the Roan Highlands

paddling

Paddling

hiking

Hiking

running

Running

swimming

Swimming

climbing

Climbing

backpacking

backpacking

old growth

Old-Growth

rare species

Rare Species

fishing

Fishing

scenic views

Scenic Views