Visit Roan Mountain

Published 12:02 pm Tuesday, August 18, 2020

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COVID-19 has had effects on our events. For more information, please visit our Keeping Visitors Healthy page.
Please note that all programs, events and tours require masks for all participants.
Friday, August 21
Tour the Miller Farmstead – Times will be 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. – Hand-built, and finished in 1908, the Miller Farmstead stands as a testament to the hardiness and ingenuity of the people of Appalachia. Join Roan Mountain State Park interpretive staff for a 30-minute tour of the farmstead and learn how three generations of Millers lived here and worked, raising families, livestock & crops without modern conveniences like electricity, tractors, or cars. Meet at Garden Gate. Tours are free, but donations are gladly accepted.
The Urgency of the Atlatl – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Meet Christian to experience a blast from the past that demonstrates how Native Americans used the atlatl for survival and feeding their families. This program is for ages 12 and up. Meet at Shelter 3.
Bring the Heat – 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. – Meet Christian to learn about basic fire building techniques and fire safety for all ages. Meet at Shelter 3.
Herpetology Expedition – 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Join Ranger Phil Hylen for a reptile and amphibian foray!  This activity will introduce experts and novices alike to the wide world of reptiles and amphibians as we learn a good deal about snakes, salamanders, turtles and more in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Adventurers will learn basic biology of reptiles and amphibians before setting out to check a 1 mile section of trail with pre-set stations cover stations.  Meet at Visitor Center Porch.
A Wheelie Safe Time – 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Join Christian for some important information regarding biker safety, followed by a group bike ride around the campground! This program will teach children on how to ride their bike safely. Be sure to bring your bike, helmet, water, and wear your closed toed shoes! Meet at Shelter 3.
Saturday, August 22
Fiddle for the Absolute Beginner – 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Register for Event and the price is $25.00 – Workshop participants will learn the basics of playing the fiddle, including instrument care, tuning, posture, bow hold, fingering, scales, active listening, learning by ear, and more. No matter what kind of fiddle music you’re interested in, the fundamentals are the same!
No previous experience is required. All you need is a playable fiddle, a recording device, and a desire to learn. If you’d like some advice on finding a starter fiddle, contact the instructor. This workshop is aimed at the adult learner’s attention span, but teenagers 15 and older are welcome.
The workshop will be taught by Park Ranger Marcianne O’Day. Marcianne learned to fiddle from her grandfather, starting at the age of seven. She has a minor in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music from ETSU, was a founding member of the ETSU Celtic Band, has toured Scotland and Ireland, and has been teaching for over ten years. She performs across the Southeast with Irish Traditional Band Sigean and enjoys traditional music in many forms.
Afternoon on the Farmstead: Art Lang and Friends – 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Enjoy the Miller Farmstead from 12-2 .pm. with the local talent of Art Lang and Friends at the Miller Farmhouse porch. Art Lang has spent many years developing his old time music feel with traditional tunes on fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Let this wonderful music be your backdrop for your mountain memories. Meet at Miller Farmstead. 
Tour the Miller Farmstead – Times will be 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. – Hand-built, and finished in 1908, the Miller Farmstead stands as a testament to the hardiness and ingenuity of the people of Appalachia. Join Roan Mountain State Park interpretive staff for a 30-minute tour of the farmstead and learn how three generations of Millers lived here and worked, raising families, livestock & crops without modern conveniences like electricity, tractors, or cars. Meet at Garden Gate. Tours are free, but donations are gladly accepted.
Welcome to our Miller Farmstead – 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Meet Brittany to learn about the history behind our cozy farmhouse and its associated outbuildings. Meet at Farmstead.
Dye-ing Naturally! – 1 pm.m – 2 p.m. – Meet Brittany at Shelter 3 next to the campground to learn how to make your own natural dyes. Meet at Shelter 3.
Paper Basket Weaving – 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Early Appalachian settlers crafted baskets to use for what we use as bags and boxes today. Join Brittany at the Miller Farmstead to learn about how these settlers used their baskets and how to create your own basket out of paper! Ages 12+.  Meet at Miller Farmstead.
Summer Concert Series: Stemwinder – 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – From right here in Northeast Tennessee, Stemwinder is a quartet of musicians playing guitar, mandolin, bass, and banjo.  They sing and perform bluegrass, folk, and then some.  Guests are asked to wear masks and bring extra chairs or a blanket for seating. Concerts will be relocated to Picnic Shelter 3 in the Campground in case of bad weather. FREE ADMISSION!  Donations accepted. Meet at Park Amphitheater.
Sunday, August 23
Tour the Miller Farmstead – Times will be 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. – Hand-built, and finished in 1908, the Miller Farmstead stands as a testament to the hardiness and ingenuity of the people of Appalachia. Join Roan Mountain State Park interpretive staff for a 30-minute tour of the farmstead and learn how three generations of Millers lived here and worked, raising families, livestock & crops without modern conveniences like electricity, tractors, or cars. Meet at Garden Gate. Tours are free, but donations are gladly accepted.
10 Essentials for a Day Hike – 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. – Join Brittany for a brief discussion of what to bring on a day hike. Meet at Conference Center Porch.
Monday, August 24
Miller Farmstead Walk – 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Meet Brittany to learn about the history behind our cozy farmhouse and its associated outbuildings. Meet at Farmstead.
Friday, August 28
Tour the Miller Farmstead – Times will be 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. – Hand-built, and finished in 1908, the Miller Farmstead stands as a testament to the hardiness and ingenuity of the people of Appalachia. Join Roan Mountain State Park interpretive staff for a 30-minute tour of the farmstead and learn how three generations of Millers lived here and worked, raising families, livestock & crops without modern conveniences like electricity, tractors, or cars. Meet at Garden Gate. Tours are free, but donations are gladly accepted.
Saturday, August 29
Tour the Miller Farmstead – Times will be 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. – Hand-built, and finished in 1908, the Miller Farmstead stands as a testament to the hardiness and ingenuity of the people of Appalachia. Join Roan Mountain State Park interpretive staff for a 30-minute tour of the farmstead and learn how three generations of Millers lived here and worked, raising families, livestock & crops without modern conveniences like electricity, tractors, or cars. Meet at Garden Gate. Tours are free, but donations are gladly accepted.
Cloudland Trail Nature Walk – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Meet Ranger Phil for a morning nature walk along our 0.7 mile (moderate difficulty Cloudland Nature Loop Trail.  This hike will offer scenic views of the Doe River, Mountain Cove Forests, and unique wildlife and plants found the the mountain-side hollows.  Participation is limited to 10 people and is free to register.  Please remember good hiking shoes, water, and your camera. Meet at Visitor Center Porch.
Summer Concert Series: Trail Blazer Cloggers – 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – This high-energy dance team will keep you moving to the beat!  Come enjoy this showcase of an Appalachian tradition with a modern twist.  Guests are asked to wear masks and bring chairs or a blanket for seating.7:00-8:30 PM at the Park Amphitheater** Concerts will be relocated to Picnic Shelter 3 in the Campground in case of bad weather. FREE ADMISSION!  Donations accepted. Meet at Park Amphitheater.
Sunday, August 30
Tour the Miller Farmstead – Times will be 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. – Hand-built, and finished in 1908, the Miller Farmstead stands as a testament to the hardiness and ingenuity of the people of Appalachia. Join Roan Mountain State Park interpretive staff for a 30-minute tour of the farmstead and learn how three generations of Millers lived here and worked, raising families, livestock & crops without modern conveniences like electricity, tractors, or cars. Meet at Garden Gate. Tours are free, but donations are gladly accepted.
Saturday, August 29
Tour the Miller Farmstead – Times will be 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. – Hand-built, and finished in 1908, the Miller Farmstead stands as a testament to the hardiness and ingenuity of the people of Appalachia. Join Roan Mountain State Park interpretive staff for a 30-minute tour of the farmstead and learn how three generations of Millers lived here and worked, raising families, livestock & crops without modern conveniences like electricity, tractors, or cars. Meet at Garden Gate. Tours are free, but donations are gladly accepted.
Sunday, August 30
Tour the Miller Farmstead – Times will be 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. – Hand-built, and finished in 1908, the Miller Farmstead stands as a testament to the hardiness and ingenuity of the people of Appalachia. Join Roan Mountain State Park interpretive staff for a 30-minute tour of the farmstead and learn how three generations of Millers lived here and worked, raising families, livestock & crops without modern conveniences like electricity, tractors, or cars. Meet at Garden Gate. Tours are free, but donations are gladly accepted.
Friday, September 4
Summer Concert Series: Marshall Ballew – 7 pm.m – 8:30 p.m. – This solo artist from Piney Flats, TN is a true talent. Marshall never fails to wow audiences with his eclectic mix of blues, soul, folk, old-time, rock and more… both originals and covers.  Guests are asked to bring their masks and extra chairs or blankets for seating.  ** Concerts will be relocated to Picnic Shelter 3 in the Campground in case of bad weather. FREE ADMISSION! Donations accepted. Meet at Park Amphitheater.
 
Saturday, September 5
Tennessee Servers Volunteer Saturday – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – On Saturday, September 5th join Roan Mountain along with all other TN State Parks to keep our State beautiful while working alongside park rangers in the field.  Join Park Rangers Philip Hylen and Brittany Osborne starting at 9AM at the park Visitor Center for a volunteer work event along the beautiful Doe River.  Volunteers will learn how to cut and treat non-native Japanese Knotweed and Multiflora Rose.  We will also clear trash and rock dams from the Doe River. Limited to 10 workers, be sure to register your free spot to help keep your parks beautiful today! See the details below:Where: Meet at the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center Porch.  Work will move along the Doe River throughout the State Park. When: 9 AM until 1 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, September 5th.
What to Bring: Good working clothes you can get in the river with, water, snacks, your completed liability waiver and a change of dry clothes.  The park will provide work gloves, tools, extra water, and eye protection.       
 
Afternoon on the Farmstead: Flint Knapping with Bob – 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Join us from 12:00-2:00 pm at the scenic Miller Farmstead for a historical lesson in flint knapping with local expert, Bob Estep.  Bob has practiced the art of flint knapping for decades making reproductions of various prehistoric tools, weapons, and trinkets.  Bob will be set up near the Miller Farmhouse.  Meet at Miller Farmstead.
 
Summer Concert Series: Fiddling Leona and JP Mathes II – 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Join this Bluegrass and Traditional Music duo for a combination of sounds from Appalachia and Japan.  These two really know how to bring the entertainment! Guests are asked to wear masks and bring a chair or blanket for extra seating.  7:00-8:30 PM at the Park Amphitheater** Concerts will be relocated to Picnic Shelter 3 in the Campground in case of bad weather. FREE ADMISSION!  Donations accepted. Meet at Park Amphitheater.
Saturday, September 26
The Over Mountain Men and the Battle of Kings Mountain – 6-7 p.m. – The Overmountain Victory Trail Association will present the story of the Overmountain Men and their journey to the Battle of Kings Mountain in September 1780. Join historical interpreters in period dress at the Roan Mountain State Park Amphitheater for an interesting and informative program. Program begins at 6 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event. For more information, please contact Steve Ricker, OVTA Director of Interpretation Primitivetrails@gmail.com. Meet at Park Amphitheater.
Saturday, October 3
Fall Chili Cook-off – 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Cook up a pot of your secret recipe and compete for prizes, or just come sample the chefs’ creations! Everyone is welcome to kick-off the fall season with food, fun, and fellowship. Register prior to October 3 at the Park Headquarters or Campground Check-in Station 12:30-2 p.m. for public eating. Cooks may begin cooking starting at 8 a.m. at Shelter 3. Prizes will be awarded to the judges favorite chili, public favorite chili, best decorated chili booth, and overall best use of heat to flavor ratio (no burning off taste-buds!) Meet at Picnic Shelter 3 in the Campground.
Saturday, October 10
Autumn Harvest Festival – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Step back in time with us on Saturday, October 10th at the Miller Farmstead from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Our Autumn Harvest Festival brings guests back into the mid-1800s with historical tours of the Farm, house, and land surrounding the area. The farmstead will be packed with historical demonstrations, games, traditional music, food, crafts, and more! Come out and support these local artists and re-enactors, or join in the fun by calling us to sign up as a vendor or re-enactor today. Vendors and artists may email their interest to Philip.Hylen@tn.gov or contact (423)547-3947. In case of bad weather, the festival will be moved to the Visitor’s Center. If the festival will be moved, we will post it on our park Facebook page and have a sign re-directing guests from the Farmstead entrance. Meet at: Miller Farmstead
Saturday, November 14
Appalachian Winter Celebration – 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Roan Mountain State Park is building on the Old Time Yule celebration to tell the story of traditional holiday celebrations and preparations for winter in the Appalachian Mountains. Join us from noon-3 p.m. at the historic Miller Farmstead to enjoy a true mountain celebration. Meet at Miller Farmstead. Event includes:
  • Firepit with s’mores and hot chocolate.
  • Historic house and farmstead tours.
  • Appalachian Story-telling.
  • Traditional Christmas and mountain music by Thistledew.
  • Winter Nature Hikes.
  • Old time letters to Santa.
  • Home-made Cookies Station.
  • Historical winter preparation demonstrations on the Farmstead.
  • More to come!

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