Photo Blog: July Day In the Clouds On The Roan Highlands (And Goats Too)

This is a photo blog on our hike across the Roan Highlands. This hike in July took us from Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald and back, mostly on the Appalachian Trail (AT). When we got to Carvers Gap there was fog and if you can believe it the temperature was in the high 40's and peaked in the mid 50's (remember this is July). It did the opposite of my trip last October and cleared off and turned into a gorgeous day. Two other highlights I got to see a rare Gray’s Lilly and the Baatany Goats!

Before the photos I am going to day a trail rating.

Appalachian & Grassy Ridge Trails (Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald):

My Take:

For Difficulty – 3 Stars

For Trail Conditions – AT 4 Stars; Grassy Ridge AT 3 Stars

For Views – 5 Stars

For Solitude – 2 Stars

Overall – I will admit this is one of my favorite hikes. The difficulty is moderate it has some good uphill spots, which gives it some challenge. The condition of the trail is what you would expect on the AT the Carolina Hiking Club do a good job maintain it. I will say a little more work could be done on the Grassy Ridge Trail because there are spots with gullies. As for the views, this hike can be described as one big vista. There are views of all the prominent peaks across the Roan Highlands and other highlights include Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain and the eye-sore that is Sugar Top. There is not a better vista in the southern Appalachian Mountains. While you are not covered in people you will pass plenty, but because they are spread out it is not too bad.

Pete’s Take:

For Difficulty – 2 ½ Rabbits Paws

For Trail Conditions – 4 Rabbits Paws

For Views – 5 Rabbits Paws

For Solitude – 1 ½ Rabbits Paws

Overall – I love this hike, it is my favorite bar none (well I do love Hog Pen)! There are more challenging hikes, but this is the AT at its best. The AT is always in excellent condition, I did have to put up with Deb whining about the path through the Rhododendrons on the Grassy Ridge Trail. The Lummox is right about this one it is one continuous view. The only downside was there were too many people, but not a lot of kids. But, this has to be expected. If you have hiked this what are you waiting for!

Since there are sooo many pictures I am adding no descriptions, so enjoy.