Fri, Nov 7 2008 - Roan Mtn Hike with Cabins (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Lee Harris Participants: Denise T, Carolyn W, Lee Harris, Lilli Lindbeck, Matt Tichenor, Shellie, Kelly Harris, Jane T, Terry, Andy Altman, Sharon S, april holt

Click for Album

Write Up:
Our Roan Mtn trip was absolutely great. We arrived Friday night to our cabins and settled in and then socialized amongst the group. Saturday morning we drove about 8 miles to Carvers Gap where we started our hike. We decided to head east which was actually North along the A.T. Our first climb was about 300’ to Round Bald where we got our first 360 degree views. This side of Carvers Gap offers 360 degree views and 3 Balds for the first 2.5 miles. After completing all 3 climbs we headed back to Carvers Gap and headed West or South on the A.T. Our largest climb of the hike was first, 800’ to our lunch spot next to the Roan Mtn Shelter. This is the highest shelter on the A.T. Lunch was quick as the temp was 35 degrees without the wind chill and it was very windy. We then continued south on the A.T. to our trail juncture at Cloudland Mtn where we turned off the A.T. and headed towards Roan High Bluff. Just after our turn we came to the historic site of the Cloudland Hotel and some more breathtaking views. After our short little history lesson we continued our hike and arrived at Roan High Bluff and its observation platform. The platform offers some more great views. There was actually some ice in some of the trees here. We then turned around and headed back. We took a brief stop to check out the entrance to the Rhododendron Gardens before heading back to Carvers Gap. Saturday night found the group dinning on Wild Alaskan Salmon and playing games around the wood burning stove. After an early evening everyone retired to bed being tired from the days trek. Sunday morning we packed the cars, checked out and then did a small hike within Roan Mtn State Park. We hiked up to one of the ridges to get a great view of the valley and then back down. The trip was a great success and fun was had by all. I highly recommend this trip to anyone thinking about it. Trip Stats: Miles: 12.4 Time on trail: 6 hrs 13 min (including breaks and lunch) Average speed: 2 miles/hr Highest Elevation: 6,220' (Rock Pile near Shelter - Peak) Picture Link: http://picasaweb.google.com/leeharris13/RoanMtns#

---