Many places in our country experience seasonal closures but we are blessed here in Tennessee, as the mild weather keeps things open year-round. The beauty of seasons, though, is just how different an experience can be. Hiking in the heat of summer is completely different than trekking through snow and ice, for example, which you'll see on today's adventure. There is a trail that is also open all year long and we encourage you to explore during the different seasons because no two hikes up to Round Bald will ever be the same.
Round Bald is located on Roan Mountain and the best place to start is actually right along the North Carolina border known as Carvers Gap.
This hike is part of the Appalachian Trail, but you won't need to be a rugged mountaineer to climb to the top. The trail is an easy 1.5-mile trip with only 334 feet of elevation gain, so this hike is fit for the whole family.
The trail starts with a steady uphill climb through a mountainous field, taking you past beautiful plants and sparse trees.
The next section is an old pine tree forest with many of the trees not producing much greenery so they appear dead and dormant. There is something beautiful about this section of forest that you really have to experience to understand.
Soon you will emerge out of the forest and be greeted by one of the most stunning views in all of Tennessee.
Follow the ridgeline of the mountain up to your final destination known as Round Bald. This spot will give you unobstructed views of mountain layers as far as the eye can see. Both views on either side of the state line give way to breathtaking scenery. In the summer and spring, the rolling mountains tower with lush green colors that contrasts nicely with the clear blue sky above. Be sure to check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to see what it looks like in the early summer months.
Fall can be another gorgeous time to get out and see the views.
The trees ignite with colors of red, orange, and yellow, making for a spectacular show. Without anything blocking the dramatic scene in front of you, you will have a front-row seat. Even if you miss the fiery array of colors hiking this trail in the crisp air can be a reward all on its own. Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment to see what the trail looks like in late fall.
Winter can especially be a great time to hike up to Round Bald.
If you time it just right the snow piles up in the higher elevations and the cold winter air freezes it in place. So the results will give you a blanket of soft fluffy looking snow coating every tree but are held in place like its ice. This is a brilliant phenomenon that is sure to fill any nature lover with awe. This video from Adventuring in the Moment depicts what it is like to take a walk in this winter wonderland.
This trail is very kid friendly and is a perfect way to witness the sheer grandeur of the east Tennessean mountains and the western North Carolina peaks.
You will see many children making the trek up the mountain giddy and happy for a chance to be outside no matter what time of the year it is. There is even a cute video from Adventuring in the Moment where the children take over the camera and showcase the stunning scenery of Round Bald:
Round Bald is an easy hike up Roan Mountain in Tennessee that overlooks the most spectacular mountain layers you might ever see. It is a great trail to experience during every season of the year; as such, we highly recommend you do this trail every few months to experience the different scenery. You can also go to a different section of the mountain to see the biggest natural rhododendron garden in the world when it blooms.
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