Day 37: Roan Mountain

17.8 miles: Greasy Creek Gap to Overmountain Shelter.

We started the day with 5.2 miles of some uphill then mostly down into Hughes gap. The TN 1330 runs through here, which is just a small dirt road. We ecountered some lovely trail magic here from some ex-thru hikers. After having a salad, some beans n' chicken, and a root beer we headed on down the trail. The trail goes across and up over Roan Mountain. The highest shelter in the AT, the Roan High Knob Shelter is located on the top of Roan Mountain. After the descent of Roan the trail intersects with Carvers Gap. Then goes up Round Bald and Jane Bald. It was beautiful but very windy and cold! The temps were supposed to go below freezing tonight. Once we got to the end of the two balds we donned our headlamps and hiked the last 4.2 miles in the dark. We ate dinner and set up our tents for the night by Overmountain Shelter.

Overmountain Shelter is an old barn that was converted into a shelter for hikers. It is next to the intersection with the Overmountain Victory trail. The Overmountain Victory Trail is a path that a group of militia took in the middle of winter to do battle with the British during the American Revolution. They won their battle and now you can hike the trail they hiked. 

If you ever want to do a section of the AT I highly suggest you do the Roan Highlands.