Roan Highlands Backpacking - July 25-27, 2025

Please read the entire description before you RSVP
(NOTE: IF IT'S STILL OPEN TO RSVP, IT IS NOT FULL, REGARDLESS OF HOW IT LOOKS. CAPACITY IS 10 PEOPLE.)

This trip looks amazing, you may say. You may also ask yourself how you can join such an adventure. Here's the answer.

1. RSVP to get ON the waitlist.
2. Text me at 931-267-9378. This step will move you to the going list.
3. Pack your stuff (very important step)
4. Show up.
5. Hike.

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Now for the good part!

Let's explore the Appalachian Trail along the Roan Highlands stretch. This stretch offers amazing views and nice temps with elevations around 6000'.

Friday, July 25: We'll drive over and front country camp at Mountain Harbour Hostel, or campground of your choosing. I recommend Mountain Harbour, however, because you can't have the breakfast unless you're a guest. There is a food truck on site, but they close at 8:00 PM Eastern time, so plan to be there before that or make other arrangements for supper. Roan Mountain is a very small town, so your best bet would be the eat in one of the cities you pass through on the way.

Saturday, July 26: We'll have the famous breakfast at Mountain Harbor Saturday morning at 8:00 AM, then take the 9:00 shuttle to Carver's Gap to hit the trail. We'll hike approximately 8 miles to Hump Mountain and camp at the summit, unless the weather is nasty, in which case we'll camp in a more sheltered location, such as Doll Flats, which is 2 miles past the top of Hump Mountain. There are no trees on top of Hump Mountain, so if you're a hammocker, either a) don't, or b) plan to camp somewhere not near where we are camped.

Sunday, July 27: We will hike 3-5 miles to Mountain Harbour, then drive home.

Difficulty: This is a moderate to difficult hike. There is a lot of elevation, and much of the trail is completely exposed. Please know your fitness level before signing up for this trip. A slow and steady hiker is fine, as long as you can find your way to camp.

Weather: We will go rain or shine, unless there are severe storms in the forecast.

Water: There are multiple water sources along the route, but none at the top of Hump Mountain, so we'll need to pack whatever water we need for the night up there from the nearest water source, which is about 1.5 miles before that. It's a challenge, but you can do it. I believe in you.

Food Storage: There are bears in Roan Mountain, so you will need to either bring a canister, Ursack, or be able to hang a food bag (properly).

Cost: There are no permits, so there is no fee for that. The costs at Mountain Harbour are listed below, and can be paid onsite. Cash is not required, but is recommended, especially for tips.

• Camping at MH - $15/person
• Shuttle - $11 (as long as at least 4 people go)
• Breakfast - $16/person
• Parking - $2/car/night
• Friday night supper: TBD (Expect to pay at least $20 for a meal)

Carpooling: If we can coordinate it, carpooling is highly recommended. Parking is limited at Mountain Harbour, plus it would save a little bit of money.

If you have any questions about this hike, please let me know. My phone number is 931-267-9378. Please RSVP with integrity....canceling at the last minute keeps someone else from attending.

Roan Mountain State Park — Tennessee State Parks
Explore the Beauty of Roan Mountain at Mountain Harbour Bed & Breakfast and Hostel