MITCHELL
Roan High Knob
6285′
(#48/100 North Carolina county highpoints)
Carver’s Gap is located just across the border from Tennessee, and is a popular trailhead for hiking on the Appalachian Trail.
We picked up the trail heading south just as it crossed the highway. Soon we were in the forest…and that’s where we stayed the entire time. No scenic views on this hike!
But we did spot a very interesting plant. It’s a Ghost Pipe, a flowering plant without any chlorophyll that gets its nutrients and energy directly from tree roots.
The trail ascended via a series of long switchbacks.
The spur trail to the summit was clearly marked, if a bit more rugged.
The Roan High Knob Shelter is the highest in elevation of the entire Appalachian Trail!
It was easy to locate the summit rocks just up the ridge from the shelter.
There’s always a special feeling hiking on the Appalachian Trail!
My.Bird.Walks. 