Visit Roan Mountain
Published 11:13 am Tuesday, September 22, 2020
- Photo Contributed Roan Mountain has the largest rhododendron gardens in the world.
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COVID-19 has had effects on our events. For more information, please visit our Keeping Visitors Healthy page.
Please note that all programs, events and tours require masks for all participants.
Friday, September 25
Fire craft: Wilderness Survival/Bushcraft – 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Join Ranger James Holland to learn various methods of lighting a fire without matches. Instruction will include using a Ferro rod, fire from batteries, traditional flint and steel, burning lens, fire piston.
Meet at Park Headquarters prior to going to the program area. Program is free but requires registration due to limited group size (10 persons). Meet at Park Headquarters.
Saturday, September 26
Beginning Birding – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Price is $10.00 – Curious about birds but don’t know where to start? Join Ranger Phil Hylen for a beginner’s workshop that will get you on your way to a new and fun outdoor hobby. This program will be held at the Miller Farmstead starting at the parking lot and traveling around the grounds as we explore all things bird during the peak of the fall migration in Appalachia. This program is limited to 10 people with a registration fee of $10.00 per person. Participants will have a fun birding walk while also learning about the following:
- Birding Equipment and Apps
- Wilderness Preparedness
- Birding by Sight and Ear
- Backyard Birding Techniques
- Basic Bird Anatomy and Behavior
Fred Behrend Trail – 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Meet Brittany for a 2.35-mile hike around the Fred Behrend Trail located behind the Campground Check-In. Be sure to wear your close-toed shoes and longs pants. Bring plenty of water! Meet at Campground Check-In.
Rustic Sign Making – 2 p.m. – ? – Price is $15.00 per person – Join Ranger James Holland to make your own rustic sign from natural materials.
Meet at Park Headquarters prior to going to the program area. Program cost is $15 per person and requires registration due to limited group size.
Paper Basket Weaving – 3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Early Appalachian settlers crafted baskets to use for what we use as bags and boxes today. Join Brittany at the Miller Farmstead to learn about how these settlers used their baskets and how to create your own basket out of paper! Ages 12+. Meet at Miller Farmstead.
The Over Mountain Men and the Battle of Kings Mountain – 6-7 p.m. – The Overmountain Victory Trail Association will present the story of the Overmountain Men and their journey to the Battle of Kings Mountain in September 1780. Join historical interpreters in period dress at the Roan Mountain State Park Amphitheater for an interesting and informative program. Program begins at 6 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event. For more information, please contact Steve Ricker, OVTA Director of Interpretation Primitivetrails@gmail.com. Meet at Park Amphitheater.
Sunday, September 27
Night Wings – 6 – 7 p.m. – Meet our night raptors, the owls! Ranger Phil Hylen will be your guide on an evening feeding and introduction of our education owls at the aviary followed by a brief 0.5 mile walk around the Forest Road Trail in search of some early evening owls and other wildlife. This program is free, but limited to 10 people. Meet at Park Office.
Monday, September 28
Miller Farmstead Walk – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Join Brittany to learn about the history behind our cozy farmhouse and its associated outbuildings. Meet at Miller Farmstead.
Bear-y Big Bears – 2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Join Brittany in the Park Office Parking Lot to learn about the Black Bears of Roan Mountain.
Friday, October 9 -11
Women’s Rock Climbing Workshop – 7 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Price is $60.00 – ***NOTE*** THIS PROGRAM IS BASED OUT OF CUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN STATE PARK, CROSSVILLE, TN. ALL TIMES ARE CENTRAL TIME.
Event Description:
– Friday we will start with a meet and greet at the Rec Lodge around 7:00 pm CST. We will cover outdoor climbing basics, including knot tying and belay technique.
– Saturday we will meet at the Rec Lodge parking lot at 8:30 am CST to carpool to the Black Mountain climbing area. Once we get to Black Mountain, there is a short hike to the climbing location from the trailhead (1/2 mile). A number of top rope climbs and a 40 ft. rappel will be set up for the day. Climbs range in difficulty from beginner to intermediate/advanced.
– Sunday morning we will meet back at the Rec Lodge parking lot at 8:30 am CST to carpool to the Black Mountain for another day of climbing. The day ends around 3:00 pm CST, but you are free to leave earlier as needed (please let one of the staff know if you plan to leave early).**The Black Mountain Climbing area does not have restroom facilities, please be prepared for each day. We will be practicing Leave No Trace.
Age restrictions:
18 Years of Age and Older
Price: $60 – instruction and gear for the weekend
Accommodations for Cumberland Mountain State Park: Camping/Cabin reservations – make them online at https://tnstateparks.com/parks/cumberland-mountain
Please make your camping/cabin reservations ahead of time. Food will not be provided during the course of this workshop. Pack your breakfast, lunch, and snacks for each day. For dinner, we encourage you to bring your own or plan to eat at the Homestead Harvest Restaurant on the park.
Cancellation Deadline/Refund Policy: Participants may cancel no later than Thursday, October 1st, 5:00 PM with a 50% refund. After October 1st, 5:00 PM there will be no refunds for participant cancellation.
Weather Cancellation Policy: There is no alternate date. In the event of a weather related cancellation 10/9/20 or prior we will offer a full refund. In the event of a weather related cancellation 10/9/20 or later, we will consider refunds on a case-by-case basis.
Saturday, October 10
Autumn Harvest Festival – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Step back in time with us on Saturday, October 10th at the Miller Farmstead from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Our Autumn Harvest Festival brings guests back into the mid 1800s with historical tours of the Farm, house, and land surrounding the area. The farmstead will be packed with historical demonstrations, games, traditional music, food, crafts, and more! Come out and support these local artists and re-enactors, or join in the fun by calling us to sign up as a vendor or re-enactor today. Vendors and artists may email their interest to Philip.Hylen@tn.gov or contact (423)547-3947. In case of bad weather, the festival will be moved to the Visitor’s Center. If the festival will be moved, we will post it on our park Facebook page and have a sign re-directing guests from the Farmstead entrance. Meet at: Miller Farmstead
Sunday, October 18
Irish Traditional Music Session – 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. – An Irish “session” is an informal gathering of musicians who play Irish Traditional Music. It’s like a music jam, but with a set repertoire of tunes and a very specific style. Experienced Irish Traditional Musicians (melody instruments only) are welcome to join. Due to COVID-19, this event is limited to 10 total participants (Irish Musicians) and advance registration is required. CDC recommendations apply. To register, contact the program leader. The price is Free. Meet at Contact Program Leader.
