Several events are on tap this weekend at Roan Mountain State Park for the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Friday, Sept. 4
• 2:30 p.m. — To Build a Fire — Meet Ranger Josh at the Campground Fire Ring for some hot tips on building a fire in a survival situation, or for your next leisurely campfire at Roan Mountain State Park.
• 3:30 p.m. — Raven Rock Hike — Meet Amanda at the Camp Store for a nature hike up the Raven Rock Trail. This trail winds through three unique forest communities up to a beautiful overlook of Roan Mountain State Park. Please wear shoes appropriate for hiking, bring water, and light snack. This trail is about 1.5 miles in length and is moderate in difficulty.
• 7:30 p.m. — All About Bears with the Appalachian Bear Rescue Program — Come learn about Appalachian Bear Rescue: their history, and their current efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect black bears in our region. In this interesting audio-visual presentation, you will see images of bears and learn how garbage jeopardizes black bears’ ability to remain wild and free. Discover how to correctly “stash your trash” so you can play a part in protecting these magnificent mountain creatures. Definitely a program you don’t want to miss! Meet at the Park Amphitheater at 7:30 PM, or Picnic Shelter 3 in case of rain.
Saturday, Sept. 5
• 10 a.m. — Edible and Medicinal Plant Hike — Come learn the interesting historical and current uses of our forest plants as we hike along the Peg Leg Mine Trail. Meet Amanda at the Visitors’ Center. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.
• 1 p.m. — Old-Time Games at the Farmstead — Join Amanda at the Farmstead picnic tables for a sampling of some old-time games that might have been played here at the Farmstead in years past.
• 2:30 p.m. — Tree ID Walk — Join Ranger Meg at the Camp Store for an easy walk around the Campground as we discuss some of the common species of trees found in the diverse forests of Southern Appalachia.
• 4 p.m. — Creek Walk — 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 close-toed shoes and be prepared to get in the water. Meet Amanda at the Camp Store.
• 8 p.m. — Campground Campfire — Come enjoy jokes, riddles, stories and roasted marshmallows at the Campground Fire Ring. Meet Ranger Meg, and don’t forget your flashlight!
Sunday, Sept. 6
10 a.m. — Wildflowers at the Farmstead — Late summer and early fall wildflowers do not get the same attention as their spring cousins—but are just as beautiful! Join Amanda at the Miller Farmstead parking area a short trek around the grounds to identify and enjoy our blooming fall favorites.
• 2 p.m. — SSSSSSSSnakes! — Meet and greet some of the park’s resident reptiles, and learn the truth about these often misunderstood creatures. Join Ranger Meg at the Visitors’ Center.

General Announcements
Programs are free of charge. However, donations to the park are encouraged in order that we may continue to offer free quality programs to park visitors. Programs are for all ages unless otherwise noted and will begin promptly at tteir scheduled time.
Please wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water for all hikes.