Roan Mountain State Park builds campsites, aims to reduce traffic stress on ecosystem

ROAN MOUNTAIN, Tenn. (WJHL) — A new trail is under construction at Roan Mountain State Park, adding camping options. Park staff hopes these sites will offer a new location for hikers enjoying the Appalachian Trail to enjoy, and reduce stress on the local ecosystem.

The state park has enlisted the help from the AmeriCorps NCCC Coast Three at the Southern Region to build a 1.2 mile addition to the Peg Leg Mine Loop Trail.

“We’re currently making a back country trail with my nine team members,” said team leader Francisco Lebrón. “We started two days ago and we’re making amazing progress here.”

This new stretch is called the Rose Bay Ridge Trail and will offer three campsites equipped with a flat, timbered platform, fire rings with grills over the top and bear-proof lockers located downhill from each campsite.

“We’re getting more and more traffic every year hiking the Appalachian Trail, and a lot of those folks are looking for places to camp,” said Roan Mountain Park Ranger Philip Hylen.

“Especially since the COVID pandemic, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in visitor use in the Carver’s Gap area and on the grassy balds that define the Roan Highlands,” said Roan Stewardship technician with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Travis Bordley.

Bordley said there have been a lot of negative impacts coming from the heavy use, which could be seen Wednesday.

Trail erosion, along with what are called “social trails” shoot off the graveled trail, designated by the forest service. These trails are being created by hikers looking to get the best picture, or to pick wild berries. Bagged dog waste is being left behind, along with other litter, especially in campsites.

“They’re trying to camp in areas that may not be an official designated campsite on the forest service land, and it’s starting to impact those communities of plants up on the mountains,” said Hylen.

According to the forest service, camping is illegal on non-designated sites. The Appalachian Trail is managed by the forest service.

“There’s also been campsite expansions,” said Bordley. “People creating fire rings. Burning this really rare and globally endangered ecosystem that’s endemic to the world, and makes our area so special.”

With the new trail and opportunities for camping in the nearby state park, Hylen hopes the ecosystem can get some relief and be better preserved.

“Our mission is to take some pressure off the Appalachian Trail and give people in our area an alternative place to camp out,” said Hylen.

AmeriCorps team members will continue to construct the new trail for about 25 more days, then they will help with maintenance of the Appalachian Trail. Park staff plan to inform hikers about the new camping option at the Visitors Center. The new trail should be complete and ready for use as early as Sept. 16.

AmeriCorps NCCC at the Southern Region is an organization that sends teams to do service work across the southern part of the country. Organizations can go through an application process to receive help from a team.

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