Chestnut Ridge: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Trail | |||
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| Image Name = Roan view from Miller cemetery platform.jpg | | Image Name = Roan view from Miller cemetery platform.jpg | ||
| Park = Roan Mountain State Park | | Park = Roan Mountain State Park | ||
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| Round Trip Distance = 4.52 Miles | | Round Trip Distance = 4.52 Miles | ||
| Trail Distance = 2.26 Miles | | Trail Distance = 2.26 Miles | ||
| Trail Type = | | Trail Type = In-and-Out | ||
| Elevation Gain = 626 Ft | | Elevation Gain = 626 Ft | ||
| Elevation Loss = -1,394 Ft | | Elevation Loss = -1,394 Ft | ||
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| Trailhead coords = 36.178268,-82.112341 | | Trailhead coords = 36.178268,-82.112341 | ||
| Medical = Elizabethton, TN | | Medical = Elizabethton, TN | ||
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| Comment = Looks good! | |||
| Date reviewed = 10/24/2015 | |||
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== Trail Overview == | == Trail Overview == | ||
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. --> | <!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. --> | ||
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The typical foliage up top is mostly deciduous trees with a few pines. The middle layer is classic Roan Mountain rhododendron, and the ground cover seems to be predominated with ferns. | The typical foliage up top is mostly deciduous trees with a few pines. The middle layer is classic Roan Mountain rhododendron, and the ground cover seems to be predominated with ferns. | ||
The trail is decently maintained and likely doesn't see much traffic. It's a fairly narrow trail in parts and the steep descent is lacking steps in most places. A hike up the ridge is likely | The trail is decently maintained and likely doesn't see much traffic. It's a fairly narrow trail in parts and the steep descent is lacking steps in most places. A hike up the ridge is likely challenging. | ||
== Misc. Information == | == Misc. Information == | ||
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Any seasonal features, factoids, etc...? --> | <!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Any seasonal features, factoids, etc...? --> | ||
Historical access to Miller Homestead was not by this trail or the current day road. Routine access to town or church was through the back of the property, behind the barn. | |||
== Maps == | == Maps == | ||
Revision as of 19:47, 24 October 2015
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Trail Overview
Chestnut Ridge Trail is the highest and steepest and therefore most challenging trail of the Roan Mountain State Park trail system. Offering the most remote and secluded hike within the park. Leave the Miller homestead imagining it's 100 years ago and you're a family member headed to town for some supplies. If you want to get away and not hear cars roaring by for a while, hike this trail. It's recommended to get shuttled or car pool to Miller Homestead parking lot to avoid the very long and steep ascent to return. Hike down to Forest Road Trail and continue to either the Visitor center to the left or head right and make your way back to the cabins or campground.
How to get there
From the park Visitor Center to begin at the Miller Homestead
- Drive south on 143
- Make the right turn to the signed Miller Homestead
- Follow the road up to the parking lot overlooking the homestead, or choose to drive a little farther to the cemetery and park
- Facing the overlook to the right of the cemetery, the trail begins to the left between the overlook and cemetery
Route Description
The trail begins at Miller Homestead and heads east along Chestnut Ridge until it meets up with Forest Road Trail.
| Miles Out | Chestnut Ridge | Miles Back | Elevation (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | Trail head | 2.26 | 3,680 |
| 0.25 | Cemetery and lookout | 2.01 | 3,750 |
| 0.8 | 2015 large blowdown, difficult passing | 1.46 | 3,547 |
| 1.06 | Walk along road trail on neighboring property | 1.20 | 3,593 |
| 1.34 | Steep descent - no stairs | 0.92 | 3,544 |
| 2.26 | Connection to Forest Road Trail | 0.0 | 2,912 |
Typical Conditions
A classic Appalachian hiking trail. You're up on a ridge, but the trees obscure 90% of the view to the surrounding mountains. A winter hike after the leaves have fallen would likely offer wonderful views.
The typical foliage up top is mostly deciduous trees with a few pines. The middle layer is classic Roan Mountain rhododendron, and the ground cover seems to be predominated with ferns.
The trail is decently maintained and likely doesn't see much traffic. It's a fairly narrow trail in parts and the steep descent is lacking steps in most places. A hike up the ridge is likely challenging.
Misc. Information
Historical access to Miller Homestead was not by this trail or the current day road. Routine access to town or church was through the back of the property, behind the barn.
Maps
Chestnut Ridge is shown below in its blaze color of orange and its intersection with Forest Road Trail
Photos
Miller Homestead
Roan Highlands Horizon Map
Trail head at Miller Homestead
Intersection of Chestnut and Forest Road
View from cemetery platform
