Green Textured Cycling Background

Roan Mountain Challenge

Nearby Towns & Parks

Elizabethton, Roan Mountain State Park, Johnson City

Length

25.00 Miles

Elevation Range

2600

Terrain

Road Cycling

Features

Farmland, Creek, Mountains

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About This Route

Brace yourself for this epic ride up Roan Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 6,285 feet at its highest point. This historic mountain landscape - which witnessed action during the American Revolution - is covered in native rhododendrons that bloom each June. The Appalachian Trail traverses the mountain - it's a short, steep hike up the AT to Carvers Gap (elevation 5,512 ft.) to view the sea of surrounding mountains. It's important to plan accordingly to tack this challenge - early mornings are best and avoid riding this route during events like the annual Rhododendron Festival. The Roan Montain Challenge is a big effort with a huge payoff - something you will never forget!

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Vibrant hillside garden with bright pink rhododendrons, rolling green fields, and a wooden split-rail fence under a blue sky.
Aerial view of a lake with numerous tree-covered islands across calm blue water and rolling hills in the distance.
Aerial view of a winding road cutting through a dense autumn forest with colorful orange, yellow, and green trees.

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