ROAN HIGHLANDS, Tennessee/North Carolina 15+ miles (Strenuous) )

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SPECTACULAR ROAN HIGHLANDS HIKE - Tennessee/North Carolina

Strenuous Level 15 Mile Plus Hike (Experienced Hikers Only) - given the length/difficulty of this hike, everyone starts out on the waitlist. I will move everyone from the waitlist to "GOING" based on being familiar with your hiking ability and number of hikers signed up.

If we haven't hiked together and your hiking ability is unknown to me, please email me and we can discuss the hike/trip.

gethikingcville@gmail.com

THE TRIP:

This is a Friday, Saturday & Sunday trip to Banner Elk, North Carolina to hike the fabulous Roan Highlands. Without a doubt this is one of the prettiest sections on the Appalachian Trail (AT). Miles of grassy balds and open 360 degree view hiking. Although many do this as an overnight backpacking hike, it’s also a very doable 15 mile day hike.

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We'll drive to Banner Elk on a Friday, hopefully arriving in time for dinner and drinks. Hike the 15 mile awesome stretch of AT between Carvers Gap and Highway 19E (Roan Mountain/Elk Park) on Saturday. Prior to driving back on Sunday we'll have the choice of either exploring beautiful Blowing Rock, NC on foot (along with lunch) or hiking an absolutely crazy 4 mile ladder hike up Grandfather Mountain (not for those that hate heights).

Hiking Upward Says:

Frequently cited as the most scenic stretch of the Appalachian Trail in the Southeast, the only way to know for sure is to plan a visit to the Roan Highlands. The area derives its name from the Roan Mountain massif and its resemblance to the treeless highlands of Scotland. In addition to being the longest stretch of grassy balds in the Appalachian Mountains, this region also houses stands of southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest and the world’s largest natural rhododendron garden. Starting at Carver’s Gap on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, the Appalachian Trail crosses over massive bald summits for miles with outstanding views of the tallest peaks in North Carolina and Virginia. One could spend an entire day meandering around the three balds closest to the parking lot, but this hike summits five balds including the spectacular and difficult to reach Hump Mountain. Check this hike off your bucket list as soon as you can, because you’ll want to visit more than once.

This full hike is long and difficult and is best tackled as a backpacking trip or a shuttle hike between Carver’s Gap (TN-143 and NC-261) and U.S. 19E. A shuttle hike between Carver’s Gap and U.S. 19E is approximately 15 miles.

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WEEKEND ITINERARY:

Friday: 5 hour drive to Banner Elk, several options for B&B’s. It would be nice to arrive in time for dinner and drinks in Banner Elk.

Saturday: Park our cars at Mountain Harbour B&B and get their 9:00 a.m. (earliest one) shuttle to Carver’s Gap. Hike North on the AT for 14.8 miles, crossing miles of grassy balds to include: Round Bald, Jane Bald, Little Hump Mountain and Hump Mountain. Elevation for most of the hike is 4,400 to 5,800 feet – with several notable climbs. Will include a detour to visit Overmountain Shelter and end with hiking past Doll Flats where the last few miles is under canopy and downhill to Hwy 19E.

Saturday Night: Either walk to dinner in Banner Elk or drive to one of the many restaurants in the area…

Sunday: Two options – (1) short drive to the wonderful town, Blowing Rock, NC to explore the town on foot, grab lunch and then head home or (2) hike the adventurous 4 mile ladder hike at Grandfather Mountain. A four mile lollipop hike with about 1,200 feet of elevation gain in the first two miles which includes a series of ladders to get you up the side of the mountain (a memorable & crazy hike). Also includes, a short boulder chute climb up to the turnaround point (and lunch spot) at the Attic Window. Return to C’ville – 5 hour drive… Note: last time we did this trip no one opted to hike Sunday.

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Approximate cost: Can vary greatly depending on your room choice, number to a room and your appetite for food and drink.

• Carpool - T.B.D. (Please be generous to those who are willing to drive) I plan to leave at 12:30 and be checked in with plenty of time for dinner & drinks.

• Rooms - Unfortunately, Banner Elk isn't inexpensive. Expect $100 & up per night. It is nice if most of the group can stay in or very close to downtown Banner Elk as it makes car pooling easier and getting together for dinner more convenient. There are some Air B&B options, and the Azalea Inn Bed & Breakfast, Perry House and The Banner Elk Inn Bed & Breakfast are available right in town. The Banner Elk Inn is probably the most reasonably priced (and offers some double occupancy choices), but my favorite is the Azalea Inn (walking distance to everything and very nice). I'm not that familiar with Perry House.

• Food and Drink - Dinner Fri/Sat; breakfast Sat/Sun; lunch Sat/Sun - beverages...! We'll need to plan a packed lunch for the hike ahead of time. I take a small cooler down with me and pack snacks and lunch for the hike and that way I'm all set when we get there.

• Misc. - Shuttle to Carvers Gap $10.00 per person. Cost $20.00 per person to access the hike at Grandfather Mountain

Gear & Supplies: This is a long and strenuous day hike, it is imperative that everyone has proper gear & supplies. You will need lots and lots of water and/or be equipped to filter/treat water along the way. You will need to pack lunch and a good supply of snacks. Trekking poles are recommended and proper hiking boots/shoes are a must. Note - the majority of this hike is at elevations noticeably higher than what we see in Shenandoah National Park. Cool temperatures can be found year round and exposure is wide open to wind and rain - pack warm layers and rain gear.

Hike Difficulty - Strenuous: Distance will exceed 15 miles with significant elevation change. There will be sustained steep ascents and descents, rocky sections and varying trail conditions. Expect a serious workout -prior mountain hiking experience and proper gear is required. See our Hike Ratings

Weather: Given the high elevations and exposed trail even Summer hiking conditions can be challenging. Most of the room accommodations in the area require about a 7 to 14 day ahead cancellation - once we cross this line we're pretty much committed regardless of the weather predictions. Pack warm layers and rain gear and hope for an awesome day (the rhododendrons should be in bloom mid June).

Dog Policy: Sorry, no pups on this trip...

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer- GetHiking Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)

Roan Highlands - Miles of trail on grassy balds...

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