Summer in Roan Mountain, TN means outdoor adventures, beating the heat at high elevations and evenings relaxing with live music and great food. 

Roan Mountain State Park offers adventure seekers a great basecamp with tent and RV camping as well as cabins for those less interested in roughing it. The park has great fishing in the Doe River as well as trails for hiking and mountain biking, and live music in the park amphitheater every Friday evening through the summer. 

A short drive up the mountain from the park, the Appalachian Trail crosses the highway at Carvers Gap. This is a popular starting point for hikers wishing to see the spectacular views and unique ecology of Roan Mountain on the famous balds. From Carvers Gap it is a short 1.5 mile hike to Round Bald and back, 5 miles to Grassy Ridge Bald and back, and hikers or backpackers looking for more of a challenge on the AT can hire a shuttle to do a longer point to point hike along the trail.

Just up the road from Carvers Gap is the Roan Mountain Rhododendron Garden, the largest natural Catawba Rhododendron garden in the world. Nearby are the High Bluff overlook and the Roan High Knob shelter, the highest elevation shelter along the AT. 

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Although the town of Roan Mountain is small, with a population of just over 1,000, there are several great options of places to eat. Americano Steakhouse and Wine Bar serves the best steak around in an upscale environment. Smoky Mountain Bakers is best known for their incredible wood fired pizzas, perfect for satisfying your after hiking hunger, and they also have a great breakfast menu as well. The pulled pork and chicken at Highlander BBQ is another delicious way to refuel after exploring the mountains. 

Visit tourcartercounty.com for more information on things to do in Roan Mountain and to start planning your trip today!