Roan Mountain State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Roan Mountain State Park |
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Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center
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| Type | Tennessee State Park |
| Location | Roan Mountain, Tennessee |
| Area | 2,006 acres (8.12 km2) |
| Operated by | Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation |
| Open | Year Around |
| Website | Roan Mountain State Park |
Roan Mountain State Park is a beautiful state park located in Carter County, in the northeastern part of Tennessee. It's very close to the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, near the town of Roan Mountain, Tennessee. This park is nestled within the Blue Ridge part of the amazing Appalachian Mountains. It protects about 2,006 acres (812 km2) of land, mostly covered in tall hardwood trees.
The park is also super close to the impressive Roan Mountain, which stands 6,285 feet (1,916 m) tall. The famous Appalachian Trail also runs nearby. Both Roan Mountain and the Appalachian Trail are managed by the United States Forest Service. On really clear days, you might even be able to see the skyline of Charlotte from the mountain peak!
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Fun Things to Do at Roan Mountain State Park
Roan Mountain State Park offers many exciting outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. You can enjoy hiking on its trails or go mountain biking for an adventure.
Outdoor Adventures and Sports
If you love the outdoors, this park is perfect! You can go camping under the stars. During snowy winter months, you can even try cross-country skiing. Fishing is also a popular activity here.
Swimming and Water Fun
The park has a heated swimming pool that is open from late May (Memorial Day) until mid-August. This outdoor pool is special because it's located at 2,972 feet (906 m) above sea level. This makes it the highest swimming pool in the entire Tennessee State Park System!
Special Events and History
Besides outdoor sports, the park is home to the historic Miller homestead. This old farm gives you a peek into the past. The park also hosts the famous Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival every year. This festival celebrates the blooming of the world's largest natural garden of catawba rhododendron flowers. It usually happens in late June when the flowers are at their most beautiful.
Park Facilities and Places to Stay
Roan Mountain State Park has great facilities to make your visit comfortable and fun.
Camping and Cabins
The park offers a large campground with 107 sites. These sites can be used for tents, trailers, or RVs. If you prefer a cozy stay, there are also 30 rental cabins available. You can reserve these cabins in advance for your trip.
Meeting Spaces and Picnics
There is a modern meeting facility that you can rent for events or gatherings. It's a great spot for groups. If you want to enjoy a meal outdoors, the park has three picnic pavilions where you can have a lovely picnic.
Exploring the Historic Miller Farmstead
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Miller Farmstead
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| Location | Roan Mountain State Park, Roan Mountain, Tennessee |
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| Built | 1870–1910 |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000449 |
| Added to NRHP | July 25, 2014 |
The Miller Farmstead is a historic farm located right inside Roan Mountain State Park. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 25, 2014, because of its historical importance.
History of the Farmstead
This farm was first settled way back in 1870. The main house on the farm was built a bit later, either in 1908 or 1910. It gives us a look into what farm life was like over a hundred years ago.
What You Can See at the Farmstead
The Miller Farmstead includes the original family home, a barn, a chicken coop, and several other old buildings. These structures help tell the story of the Miller family who lived and worked here. There is also a family cemetery located on the farm.
