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

Wednesday
• 9 a.m. Morning Yoga. Awaken your senses and enjoy nature! We’ll prepare our minds and bodies for the day with some gentle stretches and relaxation exercises while contemplating the beauty of Roan Mountain. Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes and bring a mat or towel. Meet Ranger Meg at the Park Amphitheater.

Thursday
• 10 a.m. Hike the Balds. Pack a lunch, ‘cause we’re headed to the top for a good view while we picnic. So come on out for a hike of awesome views and learn about the rare ecosystems that make Roan Mountain such a unique place, all while hiking along the Appalachian Trail. This trail is moderate in difficulty and can be steep in sections. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and a jacket. Meet Amanda at Park Headquarters promptly and we’ll caravan the 8 miles up to Carver’s Gap. This program is weather dependent. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• 1 p.m. Peg Leg Mine Adventure. Come explore the Peg Leg Mine Trail to learn about Roan Mountain State Park’s unique history. Meet Nathan at the Visitors’ Center for a moderate 0.4 mile hike.
• 3:30 p.m. Hemlock Woolly Adelgids. Perhaps you’ve noticed a few more dead or dying hemlock trees throughout the park over the last few years… but did you know that our eastern hemlock forests are currently under attack? A vicious invader known as the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is wreaking havoc on our ecosystem. Learn more about this exotic pest, its effects on our forests, and what we are doing in an attempt to control it. Be prepared to take a short walk along the Peg Leg Mine trail. Meet Amanda at the Visitors’ Center.
• 8 p.m. Sensory Awareness Night Hike. Sharpen your night vision and rely on all of your senses to truly experience the wonder of our State Park on a summer’s night. You may be surprised at what you hear, feel, smell, see and don’t see. Please bring a flashlight and wear closed-toed shoes. Meet Nathan at the Camp Store for a short hike on the Tom Gray Trail.

Friday
• 10 a.m. Map and Compass -Don’t lose your way. Come out to this program to learn the parts of a map and compass and how you can use them together. Meet Nathan at Picnic Shelter 3.
• 1 p.m. Rocks Rock. Just how did these mountains form? Come explore the Cloudland Trail for a better understanding of the geology at Roan Mountain State Park. Meet Nathan at the Visitors’ Center. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.
• 3 p.m. Stream Ecology. Come cool off in the Doe River as we learn about stream ecology and discover some aquatic life forms in their natural habitat. You may be surprised at what we find! Wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared to get in the water. Meet Amanda at the Camp Store. This program will still meet if there is light rain, but will be cancelled in the event of thunderstorms.
• 5 p.m. The 10 Essentials. Darn, I wish I’d thought to bring that! Ten items you should always carry with you for a walk in the woods. Meet Amanda at the Park Amphitheater.
• 8 p.m. Movie Night!: The Secret of NIMH. Hot, fresh popcorn and a movie at Picnic Shelter 3, located just across from the Camp Store. Bring a blanket and comfy chair if you wish.

Saturday
• 9:30 a.m. Morning Hike -Interested in some morning exercise? How about awesome ridge-top views of Roan Mountain State Park? Meet Nathan at the Camp Store for a moderately difficult hike on the Raven Rock Trail. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes and bring water.
• Noon. At the Miller Farmstead: Banjos with John Peterson. John crafts beautiful fretless banjos in the old- time Appalachian style, and plays them just the same. Come see a window into the past with this talented musician at the Miller Farmstead from 12-2 PM.
• 1 p.m. Old Time Games. Before TV and video games, kids played all sorts of inventive and imaginative games to entertain themselves. Kids of all ages will enjoy these active amusements, while learning about our cultural history AND getting some exercise! Meet Nathan at the Miller Farmstead.
• 3 p.m. Backyard Bass. Want to try your hand out at fishing, but haven’t wanted to invest in any equipment? Join Nathan for a fun casting practice game at the Amphitheater and catch some “backyard bass!” Note: we will not actually be fishing in the water.
• 5 p.m. Snakes!. Meet and greet our resident reptiles up close and personal at the Park Amphitheater with Amanda.
• 7 p.m. At the Amphitheater: The Trail Blazer Cloggers. Come check out our local clogging dance troupe, they’re sure to be a toe-tapping good time. Meet at the Amphitheater, or Picnic Shelter 3 in case of inclement weather.
• 8 p.m. To Build a Fire. Meet Amanda to learn a few hot tips and tricks for starting your next campfire. This program is weather dependent.
• 9 p.m. Campground Campfire. Stories, s’mores, games, and more all around the Campground Campfire ring. Meet Amanda there just beyond the Tom Gray trailhead. This program is weather dependent.

Sunday
• 10 a.m. Knot Tying 101. Meet Nathan at the Camp Store flagpole for a fun lesson in some simple knots that are useful for camping and everyday tasks.

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.