Hiking Trails in Roan Mountain State Park of Roan Mountain, Tennessee

Resting at the base of the hills in Roan Mountain, Tennessee, Roan Mountain State Park is a gateway to the mountain with a wide variety of opportunities for recreation and relaxation. While there are all sorts of things to do at Roan Mountain State Park discussed in my general article on the park located here on Associate Content, let's take a close look at four of the more popular trails that the park has to offer that lets hikers of all abilities get out and stretch their legs a bit.

Peg Leg Mine Trail

One of the easier trails in Roan Mountain State Park, Peg Leg Mine Trail is a nice short jaunt over to the entrance to the Peg Leg Mine. Although the mine shaft collapsed many years ago, the entrance serves as a reminder of the mountain mining that is so central to the region's history. The trail head for this trail is located at the visitor center, which is the first parking area that you will come across as you enter the park from the south on Route 143.

Chestnut Ridge Trail

For hikers in search of more of a challenge, Chestnut Ridge might be more appropriate. The out and back trail traverses only 2.3 miles each way, but it is steep enough to leave you feeling that you have been out for a solid hike. Terrain includes rhododendron thickets, forests and a nice stretch of trail along the ridge. The trail terminates at a scenic overlook platform surveying the surrounding mountain ranges. Follow the orange blazes out and back.

Cloudland Trail

For a short family nature hike in Tennessee's Roan Mountain State Park, Cloudland Trail is probably your best bet. This 0.5 mile trail should be easy enough for just about everybody fit for a stroll. As short as the trail is, there is enough of a change in elevation to illustrate how quickly the habitat changes based on how high or low you are on the mountain.

Forest Road Trail

Campers at Roan Mountain State Park will probably become acquainted with the purple blazed Forest Road Trail that connects the campground to the visitors center and gift shop. Be aware that the park describes the trail as "very steep" near the intersection of Route 143. Forest Road Trail is 2.7 miles in length.

A topographical trail map of Tennessee's Roan Mountain State Park is available free of charge at the visitors center.