Roan Mountain State Park will host hiking marathon, beginning Oct. 1

Published 5:01 pm Thursday, September 1, 2022

Roan Mountain State Park will host a Hiking Marathon from Oct. 1 through Nov. 16 in celebration of National Take A Hike Day, which takes place Nov. 17. Participants will have roughly 45 days to complete the marathon or one-half marathon of their choosing. A list of specific trails to hike will be listed below.

This is a self-paced, self-guided, honor system hike. Registration is required. Cost is $25. The fee covers t-shirt, sticker, water bottle, and a dinner celebration on Thursday, November 17, at 6 p.m. at the Park Conference Center. Participants will pick up their swag bag on Nov. 17 after completing the hiking marathon and turning in their trail log sheet that is provided.

Registration for the marathon opened Sept. 1.

The hiking trails will feature a wide variety of terrain and geographical features. Hikers are encouraged to carry plenty of water, use bug spray, wear sturdy shoes and remember to layer up in the mountains. Pets are permitted on the trail if they are on a leash.

Park trails covered in the marathon include Peg Leg, Cloudland, Forest Road, Chestnut Ridge, Moonshiners Run, Turkey Trot, Blue, Raven Rock, Tom Gray, Fred Behrend, and Riverside.

Optional trails within the surrounding area to round out the mileage include Hampton Cove State Natural Area, Birchfield Trail, Shell Hollow Trail, Overmountain Victory Trail, NFS Property from Carver’s Gap to 19-E, Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge, and Carver’s Gap to Hampton Creek Cove.

For the robust hiker, hike all park trails in a day, which is around 13 to 14 miles because you have to walk part of Forest Road twice and Farmstead Road.

There are several options to complete the half or full marathon.

For more information, contact Park Manager Monica Johnson at 423-547-3900 or email: monica.johnson@tn.gov.

The fee to participate in the hiking marathon is $25.