As fall begins to creep around the corner, Roan Mountain State Park continues to see an upheaval of traffic for the area.
“Visitation at the campground has increased a lot this year,” Roan Mountain State Park Manager J.R. Tinch said. “A lot of that just has to do with the fact of Roan Mountain being so popular.”
Another addition that helped bring more visitors to the area in the reservation system.
“This was the third year the system has been in place,” Tinch said. “That allows people to go online and see what sites are available. Rather than years ago, when it was hard to see when and if a site is available, people from different states and different countries are able to schedule their stays here and it has helped us broaden our attendance at the park.”
In a small-knit community like Roan Mountain, the amenities are in abundance for interested attendees.
“We have 107 sites at our campground,” Tinch said. “Along with four group sites.”
The manager went on to add the success of the park came from recent multi-million dollar improvements.
“We had a big upgrade to the campsite,” he added. “All new water lines, new playground … it’s been a much better shape lately for people to stop by and see.”
Roan Mountain State Park also has 30 cabins available which open all year long.
While the cabins are available each year, the recent surge of traffic has caused the park to take measures to better serve the public.
“We used to have the campground closed from November to April,” Tinch said. “Now, we leave the bottom loop open and allow campers of each size to come by and visit the park.”
Visit www.tnstateparks.com/parks/about/roan-mountain online to schedule a stay at the park.