Roan Mountain Triple Balds

— 5 miles — 2.5 hours — Moderate — 900′ gain —

Roan Mountain and the Triple Balds at Carvers Gap are likely the most iconic hiking area in Northeast TN. If you’ve been in the area for long, this area has likely been recommended to you. We have to agree, this is a great spot, although it can get a little crowded. Just be sure to get there early during the peak season and good weather since parking can be a little tricky to find. Please also be sure to plan appropriately, as weather on top of Roan Mountain is drastically different from the lower elevation areas, and severe weather can abruptly arrive with no shelter.

Getting There

From Johnson City area (I-26):

Take exit 24 to merge onto TN-67 E/US-321 N toward Elizabethton
Travel 4.7 miles, then turn right onto W G St.
Travel 0.3 mile, then turn right onto State Hwy 2377/TN-362 S
Travel 5.6 miles, then continue straight onto TN-361 E/Gap Creek Rd
Continue 2.4 miles, then turn right onto US-19E S
Travel 10.2 miles, and once in the town of Roan Mountain, turn right onto TN-143 S
Continue up the mountain 12.6 miles to reach the Carvers Gap parking area

The Hike

Once you’ve acquired a coveted parking spot and took a picture of the sign, cross TN-143 S to begin the Roan Mountain Triple Balds hike on the AT, heading up the hill passing through the wooden fence gate and information signs. The hike will follow the TN-NC border, crossing back and forth between the states.

The hike quickly enters a beautiful conifer forest. Enjoy the lovely smells and storybook surroundings. Soon, after roughly a quarter of a mile, the forest will give way to the open balds, which you will enjoy for essentially the rest of the hike. You will be tempted to stop to admire the seemingly expansive views, but just wait, the views get much better.

First views after leaving conifer forest on Roan Mountain Triple Bald Hike. Beautiful grasses in foreground with many shades of blue mountains in distance.

Continue approximately another third of a mile to reach the first bald, Round Bald, at approximately 5,800′ elevation. Please utilize the pedestrian paths/boardwalks to protect the delicate flora while taking in the views and visiting the viewfinders and informational signage. This will by far be the busiest and most crowded section of the hike.

Roan Mountain Round Bald Viewfinder, looking into TN

View from Round Bald on the Roan Mountain Triple Bald hike. Bald is in the foreground with blue mountains in the distance.

At any point, you can choose to turn around, but if you want to complete the triple bald hike, continue another 0.6 mile to Jane Bald, also at ~5,800′ elevation. The trail will drop below Round Bald, then rise back up. Jane Bald does not quite give the full 360° views that Round did, but still impressive enough to stop and relax for a bit.

Views on trail between Round Bald and Jane Bald. Yellow flowers in foreground with mountains in distance.

Clouds descending onto trail between Round Bald and Jane Bald

The remaining hike to Grassy Bald is likely the most strenuous part of the hike. The hike from Jane Bald to Grassy Bald is another 1.1 miles (one-way) with roughly 450′ elevation gain. Continuing uphill from Jane Bald, after 0.5 mile, you will reach the only intersection on this section of trail. Keep right, leaving the AT for the journey up to Grassy Bald.

Once at the top of Grassy Bald, enjoy the 360° views from 6,165′ elevation. There are plenty of nice large boulders to spread out and enjoy a nice snack. There is also a plaque here that you can find.