Carver’s Gap at Roan Mountain
Carver’s Gap trailhead is a great way to hike Roan Mountain’s Highlands. It’s a stunning location that spans across five mountain summits, each offering a unique and diverse landscape. The grassy mountain balds are bathed in sunlight, providing a serene and expansive view, while the shady, lush, rocky peaks offer a sense of mystery and adventure.
Hiking East
- From the parking lot you can pass through 3 balds each with stunning views. The total trip is 2.5 miles and a 5-mile roundtrip hike. Overall, the hike gains about 1,200 in elevation.
- Round Bald (5,826 feet): .75 miles from the parking lot with a 300 foot elevation gain. Views to the right are of North Carolina and to the left are of Tennessee.
- Jane Bald (5,807 feet): Continue another .75 miles through collections of rhododendrons and flame azaleas.
- Grassy Ridge Bald (6,189 feet): There is a junction on the way to Grassy Ridge Bald, 1/2 mile after Jane Bald. Turn left and you’ll continue on the Appalachian Trail and keep straight to continue toward Grassy Ridge Bald via a spur trail. The diversion to Grassy Ridge Bald is another 1/2 mile, making the total hike 2.5 miles one way from the parking lot (5 miles round trip).
Hiking West
- Roan High Knob (6,277 feet): From Carver’s Gap the hike starts on the Appalachian Trail. It is a moderate to strenuous hike ending the Roan High Knob Shelter (4.5 miles roundtrip). This is the highest elevation shelter on the entire Appalachian Trail. Most of the trail is through beautiful dense forest with spanning views as you approach the summit.
FAQs
- Carver’s Gap Trailhead has a small parking lot with a secondary gravel lot and a vault restroom.
- Roan Mountain Recreation area is closed for renovations Summer 2024. You can still access some of the best trails via Carver’s Gap.
- Pack appropriate layers as the weather changes quickly and is much cooler at the higher elevations.
- The Appalachian Trail Conservancy maintains this trail, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and donations from fellow hikers. Please leave no trace behind.