Strawberry Bald, Roan Mountain SP

Hike Name: Strawberry Bald, Roan Mountain SP Location: northeast TN Length: 8.4+ Submitted by: Kevin & Karen Houtchens Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Tennessee trail reviews Tennessee national parks Tennessee state parks
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Description
Depending on the literature you read the trail is from 4.2 -4.5 miles to the bald making this at least an 8.4 mile round trip. We chose to hike the trail in the first week of November. The trail starts as a means to get from a recreation area to a campground. At the intersection for the camp ground the sign warns that only experienced hikers should attempt the rest of the trail to Strawberry Bald. This is not one of those typical "Difficult" ratings, it is strenuous. The trail takes you up to a ridge which makes the travel easier, not easy. In the fall/winter you are afforded the typical grander view due to no foliage. As you climb higher the views get better and better. At the bald there is an observation platform which is a great place to relax. In the bald is an old cemetery. (Didn’t notice and markers of hikers that didn’t make it). Though not necessarily after a hard climb and being sweaty. The fallen leaves combined with some rain during the week made footing a bit difficult on the return trip. Trekking poles are a plus in both directions. Found a nice spot on the trail sheltered from the wind to cook a hot lunch, rest and dry off a bit. We didn’t meet any people that day and for us that’s a plus when you really want to get away. With that said, be sure to take plenty of water. I personally used my 70 oz. Camelback bladder and another 32 oz. Nalgene and was out before the end. I would suggest carrying emergency supplies just in case as well. This was the longest daytrip my wife and I had attempted to date. We were tired but had a real feeling of satisfaction in taking a new challenge and pushing our limits. We did the whole trail up and back in 5-6 hours with frequent breaks. We were based I Banner Elk, NC which is about 45 minutes away. One last piece of advise: Thigh conditioning.

Directions to Hike
From Banner Elk, NC take SR194 west into Tennessee and follow the signs. In the park is a visitor center with maps.

Contact Information
Roan Mountain State Park
1015 Hwy 143
Roan Mountain , TN 37687
423-772-0190
Toll Free: 1-800-250-8620
http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/parks/RoanMtn/

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