Roan Mountain: A Stunningly Open and Social Hiking Destination

Roan Mountain: A Late May Adventure of Thunderstorms, Trails, and Unforgettable Views

After finishing work on a Friday afternoon, I packed my gear and headed out to meet my friend coming from Atlanta for a weekend hike and camp at Roan Mountain. By the time we pulled into the trailhead parking lot, it was midnight. The sky was faintly illuminated, and as we put on our headlamps to navigate the darkness, we could see flashes of a distant thunderstorm lighting up the horizon.

Nighttime Arrival and Dispersed Camping

With the trail stretching ahead, we hiked about a mile into the spruce-fir forest, where dispersed camping is allowed within certain areas of Roan Mountain. We set up camp quickly and rested for a few hours, waking up to the sun streaming through the trees and hitting us square in the face, a natural alarm clock we didn’t mind.

After breakfast, we packed up and began our ambitious 14-mile hike through the rolling terrain and wide-open spaces that make Roan Mountain unique.

Thunderstorms and Appalachian Trail Encounters

Midway through the hike, we got caught in a thunderstorm that drenched us and all of our gear. That inevitable moment of “What the hell am I doing right now?” hit hard as we trudged on, soaked to the bone, with about 10 miles still separating us from the car. Needing some relief, we set up my tarp in a makeshift shelter to wait out the rain.

As we huddled under the tarp, we met a group of three Appalachian Trail hikers who had started their journey at Springer Mountain, Georgia. They were passing through Roan Mountain on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, making their way north. Friendly and humble, they were intrigued by the excessive amount of gear we carried and shared stories of their minimalist trail setup.

Their camaraderie and lightheartedness were a welcome break from the slog we were enduring. After chatting for a while, we parted ways and pressed on for a few more miles until we reached one of my favorite camping spots ever.

A Perfect Campsite with a View

The spot we chose for the night wasn’t the sturdiest setup – let’s just say it was a bit jerry-rigged, but the views were unbeatable. From our perch, we watched the sunset over the Tennessee mountains, casting golden light across the ridges. Behind us, we could see Grandfather Mountain, where we had hiked just a week earlier.

What made this view extra special was realizing we had unknowingly taken a picture from Grandfather Mountain the week before, and in the distance was Roan Mountain. That shot, one of my favorite photos ever, captured the connection between these two incredible places.

Dinner that evening was simple, but the surroundings made it feel like a feast. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning views reminded us why we take on the challenges of the trail.

The Hike Back and Trailside Connections

The next morning, the weather took a sharp turn. It was unexpectedly warm for late May, but we didn’t mind. We spent the morning relaxing, drying out our gear, and charging what we could before starting the hike back.

As we made our way slowly toward the trailhead, we met countless hikers. There’s something about the confidence people carry on the trail that makes them approachable and open to conversation. Roan Mountain, with its wide-open spaces and stunning scenery, seemed to amplify that sense of community.

By the time we reached the parking lot, it was time to part ways, heading in separate directions along the East Coast. The weekend left us with soaked gear, sore muscles, and a ton of great memories.

Check Out the Full Adventure Below

For a closer look at our trek through Roan Mountain, complete with thunderstorms, trail conversations, and unforgettable campsites, check out the full YouTube video below on Snailtrailoutdoors! Join me as I hike, camp, and explore this iconic trail on the Tennessee-North Carolina border. 🌄🎥 #Snailtrailoutdoors