Roan Mountain Gardens Trail
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.
Roan Mountain Gardens Trail
USDA Forest Service
Backcountry Trail
- Length
1.5 miles
- Elevation Gain
--
- Route Type
Loop
- Length
1.5 miles - Elevation Gain
-- - Route Type
Loop
Famous for its spectacular natural gardens of Catawba rhododendrons, Roan Mountain shelters a rich diversity of life, from spruce-fir forests to vast grassy balds.
Location: Appalachian Road (08), In Pisgah National Forest N of Spruce Pine at Roan Gardens.
- States: North Carolina
- Counties: Mitchell
An easy, paved trail starts at the information cabin and winds through rhododendrons to an overlook. You can choose between a short, 0.3-mile loop or continuing on a longer, figure-eight loop. The Cloudland Trail is a moderate, 1.2-mile hike from the end of the Cloudland parking area to a Roan High Bluff Overlook. The Appalachian Trail crosses Roan Mountain on its trek from Maine to Georgia.
Famous for its spectacular natural gardens of Catawba rhododendrons, Roan Mountain shelters a rich diversity of life, from spruce-fir forests to vast grassy balds.
Roan Mountain is actually not one mountain, but a high ridge about 5 miles long. It ranges from a height of 6,286 feet at Roan High Knob to a low of 5,500 feet at Carver's Gap. No one knows the origin of the mountain's name. Some claim the name refers to the roan or reddish color of the mountain when rhododendrons bloom in June or the mountain ash berries appear in September. Others say the name comes from Daniel Boone's roan horse because he and his horse were frequent visitors.
Accessibility Information
No text provided.
Allowed Uses:
Dogs, on leash Hiking/WalkingOther Activities
- Camping
- Wildlife viewing / observation
Public Contact
David McFeeAppalachian Ranger District
632 Manor Road
Mars Hill, NC 28754
(828) 689-9694
www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc
Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.
More Details
- Elevation (low): 6168
- Elevation (high): 6191
- Elevation (cumulative): --
- Part of a Trail System? No
- Surface (primary): Paved
- Surfaces (additional): Paved
- Tread Width (average): 36"
- Tread Width (minimum): --
- Running length (minimum): --
- Tread Grade (average, percent): 7
- Tread Grade (maximum): 15
- Running length (maximum): --
- Cross-slope (average, percent): --
- Cross-slope (maximum): --
- Running length (maximum): --
- Certified as an NRT
May 5, 1980