Join Our Annual Celebration of Outdoor Recreation and Conservation in the Highlands of Roan!
Saturday, June 13
We invite you to enjoy a day of free, guided outings in the iconic Roan landscape. Enjoy blooming rhododendron and gorgeous views as we celebrate the conservation of these globally important ecosystems. We offer a variety of outings for different ages, interests, and ability levels — from challenging treks, nature journaling, or a simple stroll.
Below are descriptions of each hike. Just click the drop-down to register for the hike you are interested in! These guided outings are all free, but pre-registration is required, and space may be limited. We will send more detailed information about each outing after registration.
What to Bring: Water bottle, sturdy footwear, gear/clothing relevant for your specific outing, and a bag to carry personal items. Weather in the Roan can change quickly, so you may want to bring sunscreen, a rain jacket, and multiple layers. Most hikes will have an opportunity to stop for lunch along the way — please plan to bring your own lunch.
Hike #1: Roll n’ Stroll at Rhododendron Gardens
Location: Rhododendron Gardens, State Rd 1348, Bakersville, NC 28705
Start Time: 10:00 am
Leader: Hanni Muerdter, SAHC Conservation Director; Kyle Shute, SAHC Land Protection Associate
Difficulty: Easy (1/10)
We anticipate that the Rhododendron Gardens on top of the Roan will be blazing with color this time of year. Participants will stroll approximately 1 mile across gentle terrain with stunning views of the Roan landscape. On this leisurely walk, participants will learn about a number of SAHC’s land protection projects that can be viewed from the gardens. This family-friendly offering is designed to provide people of all abilities with an opportunity to get outside and enjoy some of the properties SAHC has diligently worked to protect over the last four decades. This trail is paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible. If participants want to do more walking after this event, there are many additional trails nearby.
We hope participants will join us after this outing for the SAHC drop-in social.
Register Here for the Roll n’ Stroll
Hike #2: Birding Walk at the Miller Farmstead
Location: Miller Farmstead Parking Area
Start Time: 8:30 am
Leaders: Sarah Sheeran, SAHC Stewardship Director; Phillip Hylen, Roan Mountain State Park Ranger; Chris Soto, Former SAHC Board Member
Difficulty: Easy (2/10)
Join SAHC and Roan Mountain State Park for a birding hike at the Miller Farmstead to learn tips on how to listen for birds, spot their movements, then look for marks to help you identify them. This hike will be led by experienced birders but welcome to anyone. Participants will also learn more about the history of Roan Mountain and the people who have called it home for generations. Plan to hike less than two miles in open field habitat.
We hope participants will join us after this outing for the SAHC drop-in social.
Register Here for the Birding Walk at the Miller Farmstead
Hike #3: Challenge Hike at Carver’s Gap to Hampton Creek Cove
Location: Carvers Gap Parking Area
Start Time: 7:30 am
Leaders: Travis Bordley, Roan Stewardship Technician and Park Greer, South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (7/10)
This year’s Challenge Hike boasts some of the best trails the Roan Highlands has to offer. Join us for this 9-mile, very strenuous hike from Carver’s Gap to Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area. From Carver’s Gap, hikers on this trail will head northbound on the AT, across rolling grassy balds, before diving into the valley, where at Yellow Mountain Gap, we will turn into Tennessee on the Over Mountain Victory Trail, and hike down into Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area. This hike boasts sweeping views, deep cove forests, and seldom-traveled trails that only a few know about. This hike will end at Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area, where hikers will have to shuttle back to their cars at Carvers Gap (a 20-minute drive).
We hope participants will join us after this outing for the SAHC drop-in social.
Register Here for the Challenge Hike
Hike #4: Green Journaling Hike
Location: Little Cove Creek Preserve
Start Time: 10:00 am
Leaders: Nina Veteto, Owner of Blue Ridge Botanic and Erin Goodpaster, SAHC Outreach Program Manager
Difficulty: Easy (2/10)
If you’ve ever wanted to start a nature journaling practice, but just aren’t quite sure where to start, this may be just the hike for you! Led by Nina Veteto of Blue Ridge Botanic, this relaxed hiking experience is designed to help make nature journaling more accessible. Hikers will walk along our trail on our Little Cove Creek Preserve and participate in a series of guided writing & drawing practices that will teach them to relax, connect, and enjoy nature’s beauty in new and exciting ways. No drawing experience is necessary, and supplies will be provided. This hike will last approximately 2 hours. At the end, we will enjoy a wildflower tea made from edible plants collected along our hike.
We hope participants will join us after this outing for the SAHC drop-in social.
Register Here for the Green Journaling Hike
Hike #5: Spruce Restoration Walk and Talk at Cloudland
Location: Cloudland Parking Lot
Start Time: 10:00 am
Leaders: Marquette Crockett, SAHC Roan Stewardship Director and Gary Kauffman, SAHC Board Member
Difficulty: Easy (3/10)
When Hurricane Helene ripped through our region, winds on Roan Mountain reached over 200 mph, destroying or severely damaging 10-20% of the red spruce – Fraser fir forests atop the mountain. Since then, SAHC has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and many others to clear storm debris and begin replanting. This hike will meander from the Cloudland parking area through some of the hardest hit areas – telling the story of the storm and active restoration work, while celebrating the beautiful, resilient flora that has persisted. The hike will end on Roan High Knob, with beautiful views of Unaka and Bald Mountain and a birds-eye view of Wiles Creek, one of SAHC’s newest and most important land protection projects.
We hope participants will join us after this outing for the SAHC drop-in social.
Register Here for the Spruce Restoration Walk and Talk at Cloudland
Post Hike Drop-In Social
Location: 193 Smith Branch Rd, Roan Mountain, TN 37687
Start Time: 1 pm
End Time: 4 pm
Following the morning hikes and experiences, we will hold a drop-in social at our Smith Branch Property bordering Roan Mountain State Park. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the day with old-time music, drinks, and snacks. Please RSVP so we have enough for everyone!
We look forward to seeing you and hope you all join us in celebrating the Roan Highlands!
RSVP below!
Register Here for the Drop-In Social
