Time is running out to enjoy the seasonal programs offered at Roan Mountain State Park.
With school in session and the fall season around the bend, the state park will be offering the final installment of the seasonal programs scheduled from Friday, Sept. 2, to Sunday, Sept. 4.
“Overall, this has probably been our most successful year for seasonal programs at the park,” said J.R. Tinch, Roan Mountain State Park manager. “Ranger Will and Ranger Kyle have both done an incredible job of working with the public and leading these programs to show the history and heritage of the park.”
The success of this year’s programs is due to the work put in by the rangers, Tinch said, but also in part to the variety of events offered.
“We were able to offer so much more this year,” he added. “With Will and Kyle, we were able to do a lot more geography and ecology programs for the park and our ‘Birds of Prey’ aviary has been very successful this year.”
Along with the time-sensitive programs coming to a close, the park’s pool will also be closing for the upcoming seasons after Labor Day.
Tinch added that the park would like to keep the pool up a little bit longer, but the school systems starting back and lifeguards also going back puts a hitch in plans.
But don’t expect things to be quiet on the mountain, either, the park manager said.
“We’ll still have some programs during the year,” Tinch added. “Just not as regular as our seasonal programs.”
RMSP offers a bevy of entertainment for the weekend warrior at heart. Included is the full schedule provided by the park for the events:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
10 a.m. – THE ART OF THE ROAN: Do you like to draw? Inspire your inner artist and draw your favorite features of Roan Mountain! Art supplies will be provided, but you will need to supply the creativity. Meet Kyle at the Camp Store. All ages welcome!
12 p.m. – TENNESSEE WILDLIFE: Have you ever wanted to pet a black bear? You wouldn’t want to get close to a live one! Luckily the park has a collection of animal pelts you can see and touch, so don’t miss this opportunity. Meet Kyle at the Camp Store to learn about some common animals of our area.
2 p.m. – THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN EAST TN: Learn about the brave men who fought for their beliefs in independence and loyalty and see the type of weapon they may have used. Meet Kyle at the Camp Store.
4:30 p.m. – OWL LUNCH: Let’s find out what our feathery pals have been eating! We will be dissecting owl pellets and learning about these amazing predators. No need to worry about cleanliness, as the pellets have been sanitized and we will provide gloves. Meet Will for this unique opportunity at the Camp Store.
7 p.m. – APPALACHIAN INSTRUMENTS: Come learn about the traditional instruments that the mountain folks played. Meet Will at the Picnic Shelter 3. If you play an instrument bring it along!
8:30 p.m. – SENSORY AWARENESS NIGHT HIKE: Sharpen your night vision and rely on ALL of your senses to truly experience the wonder of our State Park on a summer’s night. You may be surprised at what you hear, feel, smell, see, and DON’T see! Please bring a flashlight and wear closed-toe shoes. Meet Will at Park Headquarters.
SATURDAY,
SEPTEMBER 3
10 a.m. – HABITATS MEAN ‘HOME’: Come and explore what lives in our State Park! Here’s a hint: it is more than the raccoons! We will even make our own home for our natural neighbors. Meet Will at the Camp Store.
12 p.m. – CLOUDLAND NATURE TRAIL HIKE: Come enjoy this jewel of a trail at YOUR state park! This will be a moderate walk through the forest ecosystems of the southern Appalachians. The total length of the hike is a .5 mile loop. Meet Will at the Visitors’ Center.
2 p.m. – OLD-TIME GAMES: Did children in the early Appalachian time period have TV, video games, and cell phones to entertain themselves? No, they did not. Instead they had various old-time games to play during their free time. Meet Kyle at the Camp Store to go back in time.
4 p.m. – SLITHERING SNAKES: Meet and greet some of the park’s reptile residents, and learn the truth about these often misunderstood creatures. Meet Kyle at the Camp Store.
5 p.m. – FOSSIL CASTING: Do you want to make your own fossil? We will be casting from the Gray Fossil Site collection! We will even cast the Tennessee State fossil. Be prepared to get dirty. Meet Will at the Camp Store to begin this epic journey.
7 p.m. – TOMAHAWK THROWING: Be sure to come to this exciting program where you will get a chance to try your hand at throwing a real tomahawk! Learn the history behind this important tool of the frontier. Meet Kyle at the Playground across from the Camp Store.
9 p.m. – CABIN CAMPFIRE: Be sure to meet Will and Kyle at the new Cabin Camp Fire Ring for the last campfire of the season! There will be local ghost stories, tall tales, and s’mores! Don’t forget to bring a flashlight for heading back to your campsite or cabin after dark. Located near the parking area for cabins 21-30.
SUNDAY,
SEPTEMBER 4
10 a.m. – OH DEER!: Come and learn about predators versus prey in this entertaining game! Please wear sturdy athletic shoes. Meet Kyle at the Camp Store.
11 a.m. – BALDS HIKE: Come explore this uniquely beautiful environment! This moderate hike will be 5-miles total and have an elevation gain of just over 675 feet. We’ll begin at Carver’s Gap and hike the Appalachian Trail up to Jane’s Bald and then leave the AT on a side-trail to Grassy Ridge. We’ll stop for lunch on the ridge, and return the same way we came up. Please pack a lunch, a jacket, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Meet Will at the Park Headquarters to caravan in your own vehicle to Carver’s Gap. This hike is limited to 15 participants. Sign up for your spot at the Camp Store.
General
Announcements:
* Programs are free of charge. However, you are encouraged to make a donation that will allow the park to continue to provide these kinds of activities.
* Programs are for all ages unless otherwise noted.
* For all hikes: Please wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes and bring drinking water.
* In case of inclement weather, hikes/outdoor programs will be canceled.