Visit Roan Mountain

Published 2:33 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Saturday-Sunday, June 20-21

Rhododendron Festival – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Since 1947, the community of Roan Mountain has celebrated each June to herald in the blooming of the famous Catawba Rhododendron along the highlands of the Roan. Join us at Roan Mountain State Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21, from 10AM-5PM for a true mountain celebration. Aside from the natural beauty of the blooming Rhododendron, people from all over the world come to enjoy the flavors of local cuisine, browse local crafts and arts, and take in the music of the region.

The Festival will be held around the Roan Mountain State Park amphitheater and pool. Parking is by donation to local civic groups in the park fields along-side Hwy 143. For more information about this event, visit the Roan Mountain Citizen’s Club website at http://www.roanmountain.com/rhododendron-festival/.Meet at: Park Amphitheater

Saturday, June 27

Independence Day Celebration – Join Roan Mountain State Park on Saturday, June 27th for a 4th of July Weekend celebration!  The park will be hosting a line-up of fun activities for kids and adults alike.  Times to be determined The actual Saturday of the 4th of July will offer various firework shows and events in the surrounding communities.

Our Field Game line-up and times will be announced closer to the event date, but expect the following:4th July Bicycle Parade and Contest, Tug-O’-War, Corn Hole Tournament, Various Relay Races

Meet at:Picnic Shelter 3 in the Campground

Saturday, June 27

TN Promise Saturday – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Attention TN Promise Students!  Roan Mountain State Park will be hosting a volunteer workday on Saturday, June 27th alongside various other parks and agencies across the state.  TN Promise students will meet at the Park Headquarters starting at 8AM and assist the park with trail work and conservation projects ending at 4PM.  Students will be able to earn their 8 hours for TN Promise requirements or work a portion of the day.  Work details will be announced closer to the workday so check back often.  Workers are encouraged to wear proper outdoor work gear (close-toed shoes, work clothes, etc.) and bring plenty of water.

Meet at:Park Headquarters.

Saturday, June 27

Miller Farmstead Butterfly Walk – 1 p.m. – ? – Meet Larry McDaniel with the Friends of Roan Mountain at the Miller Farmstead at 1:00 pm for an easy walk looking for butterflies and other insects. We should see swallowtails, whites, sulphurs, hair streaks, blues, fritillaries, ladies and more. We will walk around the grounds of the farmstead enjoying vast views of the 6.8 acre certified Monarch Waystation. Binoculars are helpful and wear sturdy enough shoes for easy off pavement walking.

Meet at:Miller Farmstead Parking Lot

Monday – Friday, July 6-10

2020 Junior Ranger Camp – Roan Mountain State Park proudly offers our 2020 Junior Ranger Camp to 30 individual youth ages 8-12.  Junior Rangers at Roan Mountain will take part in outdoor classes focusing on safety, wildlife, plants, astronomy, water, and history.  Each day, Junior Rangers will set off on adventures around Roan Mountain State park learning and playing in the outdoors.  Camp this year will take part this year from Monday, July 6th through Friday, July 10th.  Activity details and times will be available soon and a schedule will be posted for download.  This camp is limited to 30 and Registration will begin on May 1st and end May 16th.  Registration details will be posted on our Facebook Page and this page soon.

Saturday, July 18

Morning Light Moth Party  – 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. – Stop by Conference Center between 6 and 8 am on July 18th (early is better) to meet Larry McDaniel of the Friends of Roan Mountain and see what moths and other night flying insects were attracted to the moth lights. The lights will be set up and left on Friday night so to attract all sorts of unique insect visitors. We should see many species of moths including silkworms, sphinx and tigers. This is a good way to photograph moths. Smart phone cameras work great.  Stop by any time for this free, no-registration activity.

Meet at: Park Headquarters