Cloudland (Carvers Gap): Difference between revisions
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The northern end of the first parking lot was where the Cloudland Hotel, first built in 1877, sat – offering a summer destination to escape the lowland heat. It was closed in 1914. | The northern end of the first parking lot was where the Cloudland Hotel, first built in 1877, sat – offering a summer destination to escape the lowland heat. It was closed in 1914. | ||
Forest Service website for Cloudland Trail [ | Forest Service website for Cloudland Trail [https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110811&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=FSE_003738&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=48630&ttype=recarea&pname=Cloudland%20TR%201000] | ||
== Maps == | == Maps == | ||
Revision as of 15:55, 29 August 2018
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Trail Overview
Hike in mid-June to enjoy the large Catawba rhododendrons, and then head up to overlook platform for spectacular views – or none at all if foggy.
How to get there
- Take Route 19E to the town of Roan Mountain.
- Turn south onto Route 143 and travel 13 miles to Carver's Gap at the TN/NC state line.
- At Carver's Gap, if the gate is open, turn right and head up two miles to the Rhododendron Gardens. A $3 entrance fee is either collected or by honor system.
- Park at the far end of the gravel parking lot, where there is a sign for the Roan High Bluff Trail.
Route Description
The yellow-blazed Cloudland Trail (Forest Service Trail 1000) starts at the western end of the parking lot. Head north to enter the evergreen forest. At 0.1 mile, a short side trail veers to the east to a stone-rimmed overlook. (Encountered a wedding here on a hike.) Return to main trail to continue north. Cross gravel loop road at 0.5 mile and again at 0.7 miles. The latter has a a picnic area. (Parking here cuts the hike to the overlook to 0.7 mile.) After 0.9 miles, the trail begins to climb up Roan High Bluff to reach a wooden overlook platform with half circle views. Head back to return to your vehicle.
Typical Conditions
Trail in good condition with a few muddy spots. Weather in the Roans is quite unpredictable. Cooler in the summer, so can be wonderfully clear to being fully enveloped in fog. Temperature was 20°F lower on top than down in town, so might want to bring a light jacket.
Look for Gray’s lilies plus the endangered spreading avens and Roan bluets near the rhododendron gardens.
Fees, Permits, etc.
Access to the Rhododendron Gardens is typically limited to mid-May through September with a $3 day use fee per car.
After the Hike
Check out the Rhododendron Gardens. Or hike up to Round Bald on the AT for more views.
Misc. Information
The northern end of the first parking lot was where the Cloudland Hotel, first built in 1877, sat – offering a summer destination to escape the lowland heat. It was closed in 1914.
Forest Service website for Cloudland Trail [1]
Maps
Photos
View from spur overlook
