Check out what’s going on this week at Roan Mountain State Park.

Thursday
• 3 p.m. Canada Down South. Come cool off with Canada-cool temps on top of the Roan. We will take an easy hike through a rare, southern alpine forest out to an overlook with stunning views. Meet Amanda at Park Headquarters, and we’ll caravan 8 miles out to the trailhead together. Please bring $3 cash per vehicle as we will be entering a U.S. Forestry Service Fee Area.
• 9 p.m. Perseids on the Peak. Bundle up and bring a blanket or chair, ‘cause we’re going all the way to the top for a spectacular viewing of the Perseid meteor shower. We will meet promptly at Park Headquarters and caravan the eight miles up to Carver’s Gap. From there we will hike 6 miles to Round Bald to view the stars. Please dress warmly, it gets very cool on top of the mountain!! **This program is limited to the first 30 who sign up. Email Amanda.smithson@tn.gov, call 423-772-0190, or sign up in person at Park Headquarters.** This program is weather-dependent, and will be canceled in the event of overcast skies.

Friday
• 11 a.m. Invasive Hop. Ailanthus, Sus Scrofa, Cyprinid Fish, OH MY! These are three different types of species that can be found in Tennessee, but in the world of Tennessee State Park they are all classified under one name, INVASIVE! Come join Park Ranger Keifer Helle beside Shelter 3 for a fun game for all ages called Invasive Hop. We’ll learn what the Ailanthus, Sus Scrofa, and Cyprinid Fish are and what other Invasive Species are out there. We will also learn ways to combat them so that native Tennessee species of plants, animals, fish, and more flourish in this beautiful state. This program is weather dependent.
• 3 p.m. Summer Tree Identification. did you know that the Southern Appalachians have more tree species than all of Europe combined? Meet Amanda at Park Headquarters for an easy hike along the Forest Road Trail to learn how to identify the trees you’ll find here at the park. This program is weather dependent.
• 5:30 p.m. Bears. Learn all about Roan Mountain’s largest land mammal with Amanda at the Conference Center.
• 7 p.m. At the Amphitheater: The Fiddlin’ Carson Peters Band. You’ll be blown away by this young fiddlin ’ prodigy and his bluegrass band. Meet at the Park Amphitheater, or Picnic Shelter 3 (across from the Camp Store) in case of inclement weather.
• 9 a.m. Cabin Campfire. Meet Amanda at the Cabin Campfire Ring (just beyond Cabin 26) for stories, s’mores and games. This program is weather dependent.

Saturday
• Noon. At the Miller Farmstead: Music by Thistle Dew—Sweet old-time tunes by these talented ladies at the Miller Farmstead from 12-2 p.m.
• 3 p.m. Campfire Cookin’. Meet Amanda at the Campground Campfire Ring (just beyond the Tom Gray Trailhead) for some ideas for your next camp meal. Bring your favorite camping recipes, and we’ll have a recipe swap! Come hungry, you might get to sample some fare. This program is weather dependent.
• 4:30 p.m. Beach Volleyball. Who says you can’t enjoy a beach game in the mountains? Meet Amanda at the Volleyball Court. All ages and experience levels are welcome to join. This program is weather dependent.
• 7 p.m. At the Amphitheater: Marshall Ballew. Don’t miss tonight’s performance of blues, folk covers, and soulful originals by Marshall Ballew. Meet at the Park Amphitheater, or Picnic Shelter 3 in case of inclement weather.
• 8:30 p.m. Park in the Dark. Come see our park in a different light, the differences are like night and day! Meet Amanda at the Park Amphitheater. Please bring a light and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. We will be hiking 0.5 miles up the Fred Behrend Trail (moderate in difficulty). Children must be accompanied by an adult. This program is weather dependent.

Sunday
• 11 a.m. Monarchs. Did you know these beautiful insects travel thousands of miles on their delicate wings? Join Amanda at the Miller Farmstead to learn why Roan Mountain State Park is one of their favorite places to be.

Programs are free of charge, but donations to the park are always welcome in order to continue to offer free programming. Programs are for all ages unless otherwise noted and will begin promptly at their scheduled time. For all hikes: Please wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes and bring drinking water.
In case of inclement weather, live music/entertainment will be held at Picnic Shelter 3. See Campground Check-in or Park Headquarters for possible rainy day alternative programs in the event of program cancellation.