One of the best-kept secrets in North Carolina scenery and hiking lies right on the NC/TN border. Roan Mountain is more a chain (5-miles long) of mountains (called a massif) than one mountain. The grassy balds at the top provide some of the most unique scenery known to North Carolina. Wide-open spaces, immense rhododendron blooms, and dense spruce-fir forests with 360-mountain views make this one of the best places to hike in North Carolina.
While the rhododendrons are a gorgeous sight, Roan Mountain is a beautiful place any time of year. People come for cross-country skiing in the winter; fresh, cool mountain air and a nice hike in the late summer; and abundant fall foliage in October. You’ll want to add this one to your North Carolina bucket list!
Have you hiked here before? If you love hiking in North Carolina, check out our guide to 11 Incredible Hikes Under Five Miles!
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