Roan Highland 6K'ers Hike Route Map

The approximate track of my hike up Roan High Bluff, Roan High Knob, and Grassy Ridge Bald as depicted a la Google Earth...

Roan Highland 6K'ers Hike Route Map

The approximate track of my hike up Roan High Bluff, Roan High Knob, and Grassy Ridge Bald...

Roan Mountain Road

From Carvers Gap, I first headed up the access road which was closed for the season.

Cloudland Hotel Site

Old Chimney

Cloudland Hotel Site

First Views

Cloudland Trail

Following the Cloudland Trail

Cloudland Trail

Blue Ridge Mountains

Cloudland Trail

Rhododendron Tunnel

Roan High Bluff Summit - 6,267'

Roan High Bluff Summit - 6,267'

Looking south from Roan High Bluff

Roan High Bluff Summit - 6,267'

Roan High Bluff Summit Pano

Roan High Bluff Summit - 6,267'

Looking west from Roan High Bluff. I believe that is the town of Buladean, TN below.

Roan High Bluff Summit - 6,267'

Looking northwest from Roan High Bluff

Roan High Bluff Summit - 6,267'

Yours truly atop Roan High Bluff

Rhododendron Garden Parking Area

Passing through the Rhododendron Garden Parking area. This will be a very busy place come the Rhodo bloom in June-July.

Cloudland Hotel Site

Passing the old Cloudland Hotel site...

Appalachian Trail

All that was left of the 12" that fell here the week before.

Appalachian-Roan High Knob Spur Trail Junction

Roan High Knob Spur

Appalachian Trail

The AT as it nears Roan High Knob

Roan High Knob Shelter - 6275'

Roan High Knob Summit - 6,286'

Roan High Knob Summit - 6,286'

Although 20' higher than Roan High Bluff you don't get quite as stunning a view from the Knob...

Roan High Knob Summit - 6,286'

High atop the High Knob.

Appalachian Trail

Heading north on the AT from Roan High Knob...

Appalachian Trail

Making a hard left...

Appalachian Trail

Surrounded by a sea of green as I near Carvers Gap.

Appalachian Trail

The AT passed through this grove of wind-blown trees on its descent to Carvers Gap.

Appalachian Trail

Passing by my car I crossed the highway continuing north...

Carvers Gap - 5512'

Carvers Gap - 5512'

Starting up Round Bald from Carvers Gap.

Appalachian Trail

This stunning panorama opens up behind you as you climb Round Bald.

Appalachian Trail

The parking area sits beneath Roan High Knob in this shot from Round Bald.

Appalachian Trail

Looking out towards the Black Mountains, I couldn't begin to name all of them...

Appalachian Trail

Looking ahead from Round Bald to my next objective, Grassy Ridge Bald.

Appalachian Trail

The nice gravel trail over Round Bald hints at the crowds that must visit here in the warmer months.

Appalachian Trail

The AT as it makes a quick climb over Jane Bald heading north...

Appalachian Trail

This beautiful view of Grassy Ridge Bald opened up atop Jane Bald.

Appalachian Trail

The AT splits left here as the summit spur heads right.

Appalachian Trail

After leaving Jane Bald I began the gradual trek up Grassy Ridge.

Appalachian Trail

Lingering rime ice made my surroundings glitter.

Appalachian Trail

Looking back...from left to right is Roan High Knob, Round Bald, and Jane Bald.

Appalachian Trail

The long approach to the summit...can't figure out why they called this Grassy Ridge Bald, can you?;)

Grassy Ridge Bald Summit - 6,189'

Grassy Ridge Bald Summit - 6,189'

The pano north from Grassy Ridge Bald. The dark peak above the pines to the right is Grandfather Mountain.

Grassy Ridge Bald Summit - 6,189'

My last self-portrait for the day...

Grassy Ridge Bald Summit - 6,189'

The pano from Grassy Ridge Bald looking south towards the Roan Mountain massif.

Grassy Ridge Bald Summit - 6,189'

Looking back towards home...

Grassy Ridge Bald Summit - 6,189'

The grassy ridge, looking back down towards Tennessee.