Roan Mountain State Park (RMSP) sits at the base of Roan Mountain. Roan Mountain rises 6,285 feet above sea level and there is no better way to see all of Roan Mountain then by sending a weekend at Roan Mountain State Park. Swimming, hiking, fishing, camping or staying in a cabin, all of this and more await you in one of the most beautiful state park on the Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains.
Roan Mountain is the big draw for this state park. The twisting mountain road that gets you to the top are only part of the fun. The hiking trails at the top of Roan Mountain offer spectacular views of the mountains to the east and the valleys to the west. Also at the top of the mountain, in the spring, visitors are welcomed by a covering of pink from the blooming of the catawaba rhododendron that inhabit the rhododendron garden. This garden has one of the best collections of rhododendrons you will find in the Smoky Mountains. People come from all over the country to see the rhododendrons that bloom in this garden above 3,000 feet.
Roan Mountain State Park gives you plenty of options if you would like to stay overnight. Many people choose to stay in the campground that includes 107 camp sites. Or if you want a few more amenities, they also have 30 cabins in the park. These cabins sleep up to 4 people, have a fully outfitted kitchen, full bath, a wood burner stove and a heater. You can stay out in the wilderness without having to break out the tent or pull in an RV.
While you are at the RMSP you can fish, hike or swim (during season). Or you can take part in one of their many special events:
Winter Naturalist Rally
Easter Egg Hunt
Spring Naturalist’s Rally
Jr. Trout Tournament
Memorial Day Celebration
Diamond Jubilee
Rhododendron Festival
Independance Day Celebration
Jr. Ranger Camp
Xtreme Roan Adventures Youth Rally
Fall Naturalist’s Rally
Chili Cook-off
Autumn Harvest
Halloween in the Campground
Old Time Yule
Make sure that you visit Roan Mountain State Park, the next time you are in the Smoky Mountain area. Depending on your visit, you may want to take the time to drive to the top of Roan Mountain and check out the rhododendrons when they are in bloom. Spend some time at the base of the mountain exploring the many activities that RMSP has to offer people that visit the area.