North Carolina High Peaks Trail Association & Friends of Mount Mitchell State Park

Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association for a stroll at the Roan Mountain Rhododendron Garden on Thursday, June 9, with an optional easy hike to the Roan High Bluff. The mountain’s annual rhododendron display should be near its peak, so the colors should be spectacular.

Meet at the corner of the Rose’s Shopping Center Parking Lot overlooking Highway 19-E at 9:00 a.m. and the group will carpool to Roan Mountain from there.

Bring lunch, snacks, water, rain gear and warm clothes depending on the weather and hiking poles if you use them.

Experienced hikers are invited to join the NC High Peaks Trail Association for a challenging but rewarding hike on Friday, June 3 on the Appalachian Trail over Beauty Spot and Unaka Mountain. The outing should offer spectacular views of the Western NC mountains, including the Blacks.

The 6-mile jaunt, an out-and-back to Unaka Mountain, includes a 1,000-foot elevation change and is rated as strenuous, so only experienced hikers in top condition should participate.