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  5. Roan High Knob

6,282 ft · Roan Highlands, North Carolina/Tennessee

Roan High Knob

Roan High Knob is a 6,282 ft peak in the Roan Highlands, North Carolina/Tennessee. The standard route is the Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap: 3 mi, 800 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Roan High Knob in the Roan Highlands, North Carolina/Tennessee

Roan High Knob at a glance

  • Elevation6,282 ft1,914 m
  • RouteAppalachian Trail from Carvers GapClass 1
  • Distance3 mi800 ft gain
  • Time2 – 4 hrsEasy effort
  • SeasonYear‑round
  • RangeRoan HighlandsNorth Carolina/Tennessee

Climbing the Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap

From Bakersville, drive NC 261 about 14 miles to Carvers Gap on the state line (TN 143 from Roan Mountain, Tennessee). Hike the Appalachian Trail southwest through dense spruce-fir forest, climbing switchbacks for 1.5 miles to the blue-blazed spur for the Roan High Knob Shelter, the highest shelter on the AT. The Class 1 summit is 0.1 mile up beside it. Roots and rocks stay wet, fog is frequent, and winter brings ice and deep cold. Parking at the gap is limited and enforced. For SB6K credit, add Grassy Ridge Bald from the same gap for about 8 miles.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Low visibility
  • High winds
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Slippery terrain

Quests with Roan High Knob

Peaks near Roan High Knob

  1. Grassy Ridge Bald

    Grassy Ridge Bald

    6,194 ft · 2.4 mi away

  2. Winter Star Mountain

    Winter Star Mountain

    6,208 ft · 21.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Roan High Knob?

Roan High Knob is 6,282 feet (1,914 m) tall. It is in the Roan Highlands, North Carolina/Tennessee.

How does Roan High Knob rank among the South Beyond 6,000?

At 6,282 feet, Roan High Knob is the 16th highest of the 40 peaks of the South Beyond 6,000. The highest is Mount Mitchell.

How hard is it to hike Roan High Knob?

The Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 3 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Roan High Knob?

Most people take 2 – 4 hours round trip on the Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap, covering 3 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Roan High Knob?

Usually, if you are fit. The Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap is a common first summit for hikers ready for 2 – 4 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Roan High Knob?

Roan High Knob is open for hiking year-round. Conditions change with the seasons, so check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Roan High Knob with Yak

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