Frank

Top Spots

Big Hump Mountain via the Appalachian Trail

Newland, North Carolina

4.5

7.83 mi / 2021 ft gain

Towering over Little Hump Mountain, Big Hump Mountain offers one of the clearest views on the Appalachian Trail. Big Hump Mountain is located in the Roan Highlands North of Bradley Gap. This peak is not as traveled as other popular hikes in the area despite its massive size because of the intense uphill climb to the summit. Similar to the hike to Bradley Gap, park at the Yellow Mountain Gap Tr...

Hike to Bradley Gap along the Appalachian Trail

Newland, North Carolina

4.6 mi / 1339 ft gain

Bradley Gap rests along the Appalachian Trail overlooking North Carolina and Tennessee mountains. Part of the Roan Highlands, Bradley Gap can be accessed via Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead. Follow the Roaring Fork Trail from the trailhead until you intersect the Appalachian Trail (White Blaze) approximately 3/4 mile into the hike. Take a right and follow the AT for 1.55 miles until you reach Bra...

Hike to Little Hump Mountain

Newland, North Carolina

10.8 mi / 2437 ft gain

Just before reaching Yellow Gap, note a Forest Service Road to your left. This takes you to the "Barn", an old barn that has been converted into an Appalachian Trail shelter. Continue north on Overmountain Trail for another few hundred feet, and you will reach Yellow Gap and the junction with the AT. You will note that the Overmountain Trail continues north into Tennessee. For this hike though,...

Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain

Bakersville, North Carolina

5.0

6.98 mi / 1204 ft gain

Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain is an out-and-back trail near Bakersville, North Carolina. This trail is not too crowded, so don't be surprised if you're the only one taking in the view. Keep in mind the 1200+ foot climb along this trail if you're accustomed to hiking a longer distance with elevation gain. Dogs are permitted on this trail on-leash.

Roan Knob via Appalachian Trail

Roan Mountain, Tennessee

3.1 mi / 850 ft gain

Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands

Bakersville, North Carolina

5.0

4.84 mi / 932 ft gain

Once you've parked at Carver's Gap (5500'), the trailhead is pretty easy to find. Simply cross the highway and jump onto the Appalachian Trail, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Head north on the AT as you head through the Roan Mountain Balds. In the very beginning of the hike, you'll pass through a forest until you reach the Balds, which are wide open, allowing for amazing v...

Round Bald via Carver's Gap

Bakersville, North Carolina

4.3

1.72 mi / 338 ft gain

This super easy hike to the campsites near Round Bald is the perfect intro to backpacking for kids or newbies, but serves just as well for the more experienced backpackers who can't squeeze a longer trip in over the weekend. This short (.5 mile) hike in leads to a grassy opening with amazing views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. There are designated campsites right along Round Bald a...

Backpack to Overmountain Shelter in the Roan Highlands

Bakersville, North Carolina

5.0

5.5 mi / 900 ft gain

Starting from the Carver Gap Parking area (do not leave belongings visible in your vehicle) head North on the Appalachian Trail (cross the road and head up the hill past the kiosk). Stay on the Appalachian Trail for 5.5 miles climbing across open balds and treking through forests and wildflower patches. You will come to an intersection where you'll notice a lot of little signs; this is Yellow M...