Roan Mountain Garden TR 1002


Area Status: Open

On a clear day you can enjoy views of Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock and Hump Mountain. This trail passes through a large patch of Catawba rhododendrons and consists of two loops. The upper loop is wheelchair accessible, while the lower loop has several steps. There is 16 interpretive stops on the upper loop trail. The stops correspond with a trail guide that is available at the parking area. An observation deck is located at the upper loop. Restrooms, water and picnic tables are available at the parking lot.

Total Length: 1 mile

Total Elevation Change: 120 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Beginning Point: Roan Mountain Gardens Parking Lot

Ending Point: Roan Mountain Gardens Parking Lot

Average Hiking Time: 30 minutes (one way)

Amount of Use: Heavy

Blaze Color: None

Area Trail Map: None

USGS Quad Map: Carvers Gap and Bakersville

At a Glance

Operational Hours: This page was last updated 9/28/2022 Current Notes of Interest:  9/28/2022- Due to incoming inclement weather from Hurricane Ian, the following areas will be closed: 
  • Black Mtn and Briar Bottom – Close on Friday 9/30 at 11:00am-Tuesday 10/4 at 12:00 based on condition of the roads and facilities. 
  • Roan Mtn typically closes on Friday 9/30 for the season (last Friday of Sept.) but now closing on Thursday afternoon at 4:00pm (one day early)
  • Harmon Den Horse Campground Friday 9/30/2022- 2023 Season (Closing 4 days early)
Area Amenities: Interpretive Site,Accessible,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking
Fees: $3.00 per vehicle. For larger vehicles and busses, the cost is $1 per person. Payable with cash at feed tube at the entrance and online through this link at www.recreation.gov
Closest Towns: Bakersville, NC
Water: Drinking
Restroom: Flush

General Information

Directions:

From Burnsville, take US 19E to Spruce Pine. Turn left on NC 226N and follow this to Bakersville. Once in Bakersville, continue to follow this road straight ahead as it changes to NC 261. Take this road to Carvers Gap and the state line. Look for the Roan Mountain sign and turn left onto NC 1348. The Appalachian Trail crosses here. Follow NC 1348 to the fee station. After the station, turn left onto the gravel road. Continue to the first parking lot on the left. The trailhead is located next to the restrooms.


Activities

Day Hiking

Wheelchair accessible, Hiking
Elevation desc Low Point 6,080 ft.-High Point 6,200 ft.

Amenities

Interpretive Site: 16 interpretive stops on the upper loop trail
Picnic tables:
Parking:
Toilets:
Accessible: Upper loop
Drinking water:

Alerts & Warnings

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