Roan Mountain on the AT: Carver's Gap to Hwy 19E(edit)

based on 132 tracks & routes | |

DIFFICULT

#6 hike out of 616 in Cherokee National Forest |

DIFFICULT

13.6 mi

Distance

6 hrs 56 min

Time

3,002 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a difficult one way trail in Cherokee National Forest. It begins at Carver's Gap and follows the Appalachian Trail along ridge lines and high mountain balds with stunning, 360º views. The trail crosses Round Bald, Little Hump, and Big Hump Mountains, but don't miss the short side hike to Grassy Ridge Bald as well. The hike ends in a miles-long descent to where the AT crosses highway 19E, conveniently near the Mountain Harbor Hostel.

This trail goes by Round Bald, Jane Bald, Roan Mountain, Yellow Mountain, Little Hump Mountain, and Hump Mountain.

Getting Started

Consider driving to the Mountain Harbor Hostel in the morning for a delicious breakfast, and catch their shuttle to the trailhead at Carver's Gap. You can then hike your own pace back to your car.

Taking Children

Some difficult terrain and lack of bailout points make this full hike not recommended for young children. There are many picnic and casual hike options available from Carver's Gap that would be great for kids.

Sights to See

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

Roxana Enache 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Beautiful hike! Recommend sunscreen due to direct sun on high altitudes with no cover. Hardly no trees on top of Hump Mtn.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

GreatShore7794 1 year, 11 months ago

Good for over nighter. Sunset from Hump mtn was amazing.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

LastTulip4740 4 years, 7 months ago

We started at the station at 19e and parked the car overnight. They dropped us at the trail head which was so nice since it’s a pretty busy highway. They called us crazy for starting at 19 and headed south instead of starting at carvers but we trooped through the 5 miles straight uphill to come out to that beautiful first open view about 2 hours later. We’re a stop and smell the flowers type of hiking crew. Planned to go to the barn at over mountain but it was so windy on the knolls we pulled over early and set up in the enchanted forest looking spot right before little hump. Walked up to little hump for the sunset. No wind problems in the woods and great view through the trees this time of year. Crossed lots of they hikers going north. Had a beer back at station at 19. Great folks.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous User 5 years, 1 month ago

I’ve thru hiked the Appalachian Trail, twice. This 15 mile section is in the top 5 at least for me out of the whole 2,192 miles. Don’t miss it, a perfect weekend trip! Plenty of water, cruise climbs, awe inspiring views, wildflowers, unique shelter, shuttle access, it checks every single box.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous User 5 years, 10 months ago

We hiked this section back in September 2019. What was to be a 2 day split overnight trip, we ended up crushing in a single day. Two of us were rookies, and two of our group were veteran hikers. We had a great time and the views are awesome.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★