From hikes and salamanders to butterflies and mountain music, there is a lot going on this week at Roan Mountain State Park.
Check out the list of events for this week.
Tonight
• 8:30 p.m. Full Moon Balds Hike. You will never forget the peaceful experience of walking by the light of the moon atop one of Appalachia’s most beautiful mountains. Please wear sturdy shoes and long pants, and bring a flashlight. We’ll be hiking approximately 1.2 miles round trip, and climbing a little over 300 ft. It can get windy and chilly on top of the Roan at night, so please bring a jacket and/or extra layers. We will be leaving promptly at 8:30 PM to caravan to Carver’s Gap, please meet Ranger Meg at Headquarters. *NOTE* This program is only for hikers age 10 and up, and limited to the first 15 participants—sign up in advance on Tuesday at Park Headquarters or call 423.772.0190. This program is weather dependent.

Thursday
• 11 a.m. Beginner Butterflies. Join Amanda at the front porch of the Miller Farmstead as we mill around the grounds to learn about the species that frequent Roan Mountain State Park. A field guide and binoculars will enhance your experience, but are not required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• 2:30 p.m. Canada Down South. Explore the rare alpine forests atop Roan Mountain as we learn the unique natural history of these “islands in the sky.” We’ll get to see some spectacular views as well. Please bring a jacket (much cooler up here!), water, and wear appropriate hiking shoes. We will be entering the US Forest Service Fee Area, so please bring $3 cash per vehicle. Meet Amanda at Park Headquarters promptly and we’ll caravan up to the top of the mountain together. This program is weather dependent.
• 4 p.m. Map and Compass. People have used a map and compass throughout history to help find their way. Come out to this program to learn the parts of a map and compass and how you can use them together! Meet Nathan at the Camp Store. This program is weather dependent.
• 7:30 p.m. Sunset Hike. Ever wonder why sunsets are so colorful? Meet Nathan at Picnic Shelter 3 for a moderately difficult hike to the Raven Rock Overlook. Bring a flashlight, some water, and wear comfortable shoes. This program is weather dependent.

Friday
• 10 a.m. Old-Time Games. No TV, no problem. For the kid or the kid within, join Nathan at the Miller Farmstead for a guaranteed good time.
• 2 p.m. Salamander Hunt. Do you like amphibians? Come out and learn about some of Roan Mountain’s coolest species. Join Amanda at the Camp Store.
• 3 p.m. Peg Leg Mine Adventure. Come explore the Peg Leg mine trail to learn about Roan Mountain State Park’s unique history. Meet Nathan at the Visitor’s Center for a moderate 0.4 mile hike. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.
• 4 p.m. Thrill of the Hunt. Kids! Come out for a fun way to explore beautiful Roan Mountain with a nature scavenger hunt! This program is geared toward kids or the kid at heart. Meet Amanda at the Camp Store.
• 7 p.m. At the Amphitheater: Thistle Dew. A unique blend of Celtic-inspired old time Appalachia tunes. Meet at the Amphitheater, or Picnic Shelter 3 in case of inclement weather.
• 8:30 p.m. Crepuscular Creatures. After the sun goes down, the forest trails come alive with the sounds, smells, and sensations of the night. Come explore the park in the dark…the differences are like night and day! Meet Amanda the Amphitheater.

Saturday
• 10:30 a.m. Farmstead Tour. Meet Amanda on the front porch of the Miller Farmstead, now on the National Register of Historic Places for a tour of the home and grounds.
• Noon. At the Farmstead: Soap Making with the Hyders. Watch the Hyder family demonstrate traditional soap making, just as the Millers might have done at the Farmstead years ago. Handmade soaps will be available for sale. Activities held at the Miller Farmstead from 12-2 PM.
• 1 p.m. Tie-Dye Time. Turn your boring whites into something groovy…bring your own items to dye, and make sure to wear something you wouldn’t mind getting a bit of dye on. Meet Amanda at the Farmstead.
• 2 p.m. River Walk. Meet Nathan at the Camp Store for an up-close look at our river critters. Wear shoes and clothes you do not mind getting wet. we will be getting in the water. This program is weather dependent.
• 4 p.m. Checkers Tournament. Meet at Nathan at the camp store for a chance to become Roan mountain’s next checkers champ.
• 5 p.m. Predator and Prey. Meet Amanda at the Amphitheater for this fun game where we explore the balance of life. This program is geared for kids, or the kid at heart.
• 7 p.m. At the Amphitheater: Bandwagon Fallacy. Classic rock covers by the talented Odom family. Meet at the Amphitheater, or Picnic Shelter 3 in case of inclement weather.
• 9 p.m. Campground Campfire. Meet Nathan at the Campground Campfire Ring (just beyond the Tom Gray Trailhead) for stories, s’mores and games.

Sunday
• 10 a.m. Knots. Pull together with Nathan at the Conference Center to learn the basics of knot tying.
• Noon. Corn Husk Dolls. Meet Amanda at the Amphitheater to learn the traditional Native American craft of corn husk dolls (or make a modern corn husk ninja!).
Roan Mountain State Park programs are free of charge, but donations to the park are always welcome in order to continue to offer free programming. Programs are for all ages unless otherwise noted and will begin promptly at their scheduled time.
For all hikes: Please wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes and bring drinking water.
In case of inclement weather, live music/entertainment will be held at Picnic Shelter 3. See Campground Check-in or Park Headquarters for possible rainy day alternative programs in the event of program cancellation.