Tennessee’s Outdoor Playground

Just Up The Road To Roan Mountain Tennessee’s Outdoor Playground

Travel 194 South from Banner Elk and take a right and you will discover that your idyllic mountain getaway still exists! The cabin located by a babbling brook, panoramic mountain views, adventure sports opportunities, and fantastic indie dining combine with an uncomplicated lifestyle and relaxing pace in Roan Mountain, “Tennessee’s Outdoor Playground”.

All Trails Lead To Roan Mountain! In 2016, the Roan Mountain community became the 41st official Appalachian Trail Community, (and only the second in Tennessee). Host to thousands of hiking enthusiasts every year, this trail town was rated the number one scenic section of the entire AT in an exit poll by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine in 2019. This section of trail culminates in the breathtaking expansive 180° views found at Carver’s Gap. At 6,285 feet (1,916 m), the mountain is the highest point in Tennessee outside the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors will also find the world’s largest natural Rhododendron gardens there. The Appalachian Trail intersects with the historic Overmountain Victory Trail at multiple points here, including the community park for cyclists, and the

“Tweetsie Trail Extension” is a picturesque route through Roan Mountain along the Doe River on the Old Railroad Grade. The ride culminates at the Blevins Bridge, a historic Keystone Bridge Company railroad trestle originally constructed for the ET&WNC Railroad, built in the 1800s. There are abundant equestrian options here as well, with the Backcountry Horsemen of East Tennessee’s recent expansion of riding loops into the wild and scenic Cherokee National Forest, accessed from the “Happy Trails” parking area off the Old Railroad Grade.

For those who prefer river adventures to the trail, anglers will find what Garden and Gun Magazine described as trout waters that typically flow only in anglers’ dreams. The Doe River Hiking Trail offers multiple access points to the trophy trout waters of the Doe River, which are stocked by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. This well-marked fishing trail offers ample parking opportunities and even handicap accessibility in some locations. Whitewater Kayaking enthusiasts also enjoy this natural flow river run with numerous access points between Roan Mountain and Hampton, and even a changing room at the takeout point.

Voted #1 in the Tennessee Park System, thousands of visitors choose to visit the Roan Mountain State Park each year. Park visitors can enjoy valley or mountain camping in one of the finest campgrounds in the country. Completely modern cabins are also available for rent there. The park also features picnic shelters, a swimming pool, tennis courts, children’s play areas, and extensive hiking trails. During summer weekends a variety of concerts and other entertainment may be enjoyed in the park amphitheater. Foodies in the family will not be disappointed here, either. Roan Mountain is home to almost a dozen indie restaurants offering a range of cuisine including international fare from Thailand and Mexico, artisan baked goods, pizza, barbecue and homestyle cooking. One local eatery, Bob’s Dairyland, recently won a best food on the Appalachian Trail hiker poll in Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine. The Station at 19E offers a craft beer tap room featuring 13 rotating taps and extensive

selection of bottles and cans, as well as a music hall with live entertainment.

Lodging options include camping, “glamping”, hostels, state park rental cabins, an RV park and numerous Air B&B experiences. Whether you are looking for a day hike on the most scenic part on the southern Appalachian Trail, experiencing the wonder and views from the largest natural rhododendron garden, accepting the challenge of the Doe Rover Fishing Trail, or birding in the Hampton Creek Cove natural area Roan Mountain is the place for your next “Daycation” or weekend stay.

The Roan Mountain community is just a short drive from the ski areas in Banner Elk. The drive takes you along scenic mountain roads and across the NC/TN State Line before reaching Roan Mountain.