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.
The trail begins at Miller Homestead and heads east along Chestnut Ridge until it meets up with Forest Road Trail.
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.
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.
Chestnut Ridge is shown below in its blaze color of orange and its intersection with Forest Road Trail
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