Roan High Bluff Overlook must be seen to be believed. Assuming there’s anything to see.
The bluff is perched on an outcrop 6200 feet up in the Roan Highlands, one of the most storied locales in the Southern Appalachian Range. On a clear day the views go as far as your imagination can take them. Some days it’ll be fogged in completely, and on others you’ll find a cloud carpet covering every landmark for miles.
I went up there yesterday planning to check out the view. Fate had other plans: I botched my route so badly (see my Comedy of Trail Errors below) that I figured I might as well make a map so others can have an easier go of it.
The pertinent facts:
Shortest and easiest: Roan High Bluff is a half-mile down the Cloudland Trail from a gravel road in the Roan Highlands. If you’re here only for the view, just park near the trail on that gravel road (note there’s a $3 entrance fee).
Nice easy hike: Park at the picnic area near the site of the old Cloudland Hotel. It has bathrooms and other amenities. Cloudland Trail goes 1.2 miles down to Roan High Bluff from there. Retrace your steps for an easy 2.5-mile hike (stop by the Rhododendron Garden during May-June bloom season).
Moderate hike from Carvers Gap: Take the Appalachian Trail southbound from Carvers Gap for a little over two miles. It’s all tree-covered, so banish thoughts of spectacular views along the way.
When you round a bend looking out over a large, open grassy area, you’re at the old Cloudland Hotel site. Walk across the meadow till you see the parking lot.
Walk to the far end of the parking lot and pick up the Cloudland Trail, then follow the signs to Roan High Bluff. Retrace your steps for a six-mile moderate hike.
Google map to get you there. Click on Carvers Gap (far right) for driving directions.