Roan Mountain State Park encompasses 2,006 acres of southern Appalachian forest at the base of 6,285 foot Roan Mountain.  Park elevation ranges from 3,000 feet in the valley to around 3,700 feet on surrounding ridges.  Rich hardwood forests allow for a great diversity of life and a wide range of outdoor activities.  Park guests have opportunities to hike along creeks and ridges, fish for trout, play tennis, swim, tour a century old farmhouse, join rangers and naturalists for educational programs, and enjoy mountain music concerts. 
Wildflowers and wildlife inhabit the hollows and ridges of the Roan foothills in abundance.  From Dutchman's-breeches to deer, trillium to turkeys and bee balm to black bears there is always something to discover.  Guests who wish to stay overnight have a choice of RV and tent camping or fully equipped AAA cabins.  The Appalachian Trail and famous Rhododendron Gardens of Roan Mountain can be accessed at Carver's Gap, an 8 mile drive from the park.  A naturalist is on hand year round to provide programs for visitors to the park and special groups. 

This is a great hike for two reasons.  First, the views from the two observation platforms are fantastic.  Second, this is a great example of the flora that exists above 5,000 feet in the Appalachians.  It reminded us of the Northwest.  But there is no waterfall, unless there's a part of the trail not on the AllTrails map. 

We parked at the Cloudland parking lot, the first one you get to at the top.  You can continue on the gravel road past this parking lot all the way to the .7 of a mile marker from the Bluffs.  We began from the start and it was approx 3 miles round trip.  Beautiful trail, easy to maneuver.  We had our 5 year old with us.  He did great!  Some parts are a bit muddy but there are ways around the mud holes.  The last .7 of the trail can get crowded and the trail is narrow in areas.  Just use etiquette, not everyone has manners so be aware.  It gets noisy in the last leg too.  We suggest early morning if you enjoy tranquil nature time.  The views at the end are amazing.  Again the viewing area can get crowded, people don't want to move and allow others to see so be aware of this too.  For the ultimate experience go early or during the week. 

Loved this section!  We hiked from carvers to Hump and camped there.  Then continued on the next day down to 19e.  There is a little place for 2 hammocks if your lucky and get there first!  Sunset was amazing!  Parked our car at Mountain Harbour and they shuttled us up. 

I have this trail a 5 star based solely on the incredible view we had!  We hiked from the big parking lot (1.4 miles each way) and it was relatively a flat hike with just a few rocky and sloped areas.  My friend and I both wore tennis shoes, but there's several areas that is muddy and boots would've been more appropriate.  Key note, once you arrive into the parking lot, the trail starts immediately as you turn in.  It is not around the restroom area.  A lot of people, including us, almost missed this.  Once at the top you will get great views.  Amazing to look out and see the other mountains and down in the valleys.  Enjoyable hike, not many people around when we were there, love to do again sometime. 

Easy trail.  Beautiful hike on cool summer day--mostly shady, mossy.  Trail can be wet in places.  A few tips I wish we'd had.  1.  Cloudland Trail does not begin on the end of the parking lot near the restrooms.  It is literally right in front of you to the left when you pull up into the parking lot.  It is across from the "keep right" sign, but the trailhead sign is turned so you can't see it. ( see photo of my daughter and dogs with trailhead sign) 2.  The trail does not start at the Cloudland Hotel site.  A beautiful bald area for picnics and play but the trail from there is the Appalachian Trail which goes to Carvers Gap in one direction or continues on southward.  3.  When you do hike in on Cloudland Trail, it splits.  To the right will take you to first overlook.  To the left keeps you on the trail.  4.  It was worth our confusion (and hike on the AT) to find this on our way out.  We hiked it and the view is spectacular as well as reasonably quiet--on a summer Saturday we only passed 2 sets of people.  Easy trail which my daughter did in Chaos (even on the wet rock area).  1.4 miles from big parking lot; .7 miles from bus parking lot. 

Great out and back today (just forgot to record the out).  Decent ascent on the out, but it made the back pretty easy.  Nice apple orchard and rock outcropping (that's where I turned back).  Gear up and head out to this trail for a great day-hike! 

CARVERS GAP is voted the most beautiful view along the AT by visitors year round !  The fog rolls in and out like a dragon causing you to feel like you are in the moors of Scotland.  Whether you go for a day hike or make it an overnight backpacking and camping venture it is a hike you will remember always in your heart.