Winter weather makes Roan Mountain ideal tourist location
Published 5:25 pm Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Photo Courtesy Roan Mountain State Park
The natural beautiful in Roan Mountain has been on full display inside the state park once again this year. With snow around the bend, Miller Farmstead will continually look to be a popular attraction to the public.
Tourism in Carter County tends to see an upheaval of visitors during the winter season thanks to the scenic views, especially in Roan Mountain.
Nestled between popular ski resorts, Roan Mountain State Park happens to be the ideal location for visitors looking to see a bit of snow, which expected to make an appearance this weekend in the higher elevations.
“We’re booked up this weekend,” Park Manager J.R. Tinch said. “We happen to be one of the more winter-favorite parks due to the fact we’re near Beech and Sugar Mountain.”
Attracting tourists is key element not only to the success of the park, but benefiting the county, according to the park manager.
“It’s been great to see the support of people coming to stay in our cabins,” he said. “This is big for the park and the county. Money that’s being spent is going back into the county, which is always a great thing.”
RMSP also offers a discounted rate on rentals properties during January and February. Which proves to be a hot ticket for attendees.
The support gathered during this time of the year has only streamlined into what the park manager alluded to as one of the most success years at RMSP.
“We’ve had an incredible year,” he said. “We had record-breaking numbers at the park with events like the 70th annual Rhododendron Festival. The Halloween at the Campground went past our expectations … we’re getting to the point now that’s were outgrowing the space offered in the park for these events.”
Along with the events, the park has been about to add new interpretive programs and a new aviary programs that features two owls – and room for expansion.
“It’s been an exciting year,” Tinch said. “We’re going to carry over the momentum into the new year. We’ve already got our programs for next year planned out.”
One of the first events to be offered at the part includes the annual First Hikes Day, which takes place January 1 inside the facility.
For more information on upcoming events or to book a stay at RMSP, visit tnstateparks.com/parks/about/roan-mountain or call (423) 772-0190.
