Highlands of Roan

Straddling the border of Tennessee’s Carter County and North Carolina’s Mitchell and Avery Counties, the Roan Mountain massif rises above the farms and villages of the valley below. Known as the Highlands of Roan, these mountain peaks and ridges, for the most part above 4,000 feet in elevation, are renowned for their exceptional biological diversity and magnificent beauty.

Highlights of the Area

Conservation

The Highlands of Roan is a showcase of biological diversity, punctuated by grassy balds, rhododendron gardens, high-elevation rock outcrops, southern Appalachian bogs, and rich spruce-fir forests. The Roan’s ecosystem is one of the richest repositories of temperate zone biodiversity on earth, including more federally listed plant species than the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Highlands are home to more than 800 plant species and over 188 bird species.

Recreation

An abundance of hiking trails, local festivals, hunting opportunities, trout fishing, and scenic vistas for sightseeing make the Highlands of Roan a recreational hotspot of the Southern Appalachians. This area encompasses sections of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Cherokee National Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and several state parks and natural areas — including Roan Mountain State Park.

Stewardship

Through our Roan Stewardship Committee, we have provided consistent and informed leadership to enable focus and momentum for the guardianship of the Roan Highlands. The Roan Stewardship Committee consists of members from federal, state and private partners. SAHC staff convenes the committee to address the stewardship and management of the grassy balds, Hampton Creek Cove Natural Area, and priority species habitat.