Carvers Gap Trailhead — Attraction in Bakersville

My wife and I traveled about an hour and a half from our home in Western North Carolina to the Pisgah - Cherokee National Forest at the Roan Mountain Range along the NC - Tennessee border to hike this trail. When we left home it was early March Spring time, around 50 some degrees. When we arrived at Carvers Gap trail it was around 11:00 am the temp was 38 degrees! 🥶 Brrrrr! Also, the wind was like gale force blowing, I estimate between 20 to 30 mph sustained for most of our hike. This of course added the wind chill effect which made it feel even colder! 🥶

We did our hike all the way to Grassy Ridge Bald, the third bald of our hike. The attitude on this mountain is 6,184 feet!!!

We returned to our car around 3:00 pm or so - the temperature was 48 degrees! 🥶

The hike: the scenery was beautiful! The hike to Grassy Ridge Bald is a little over 2 miles, and is a moderate + some as far as difficulty in my book. You're actually on the Appalachian Trail for a good portion not the hike/ trail. We met two AT hikers along the way and saw one campsite. The hike is kinda like a rollercoaster - a lot of up and down, if that makes sense. The total hike was around 4.8 miles by my calculations.

Despite the cold and the wind we had a great hike and great time. If ever in the area and looking for a challenge, consider this...

Roan Mountain, Tennessee, is truly one of the most breathtaking places I've ever photographed. As the photographer behind Appalachian Wedding Photography, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories in some beautiful places—but there’s something especially magical about Roan Mountain.

The sweeping views, rolling wildflower meadows, and that golden mountain light create the dreamiest backdrop for proposals, elopements, and intimate weddings. Every corner of this place feels sacred and wild in the best way—raw, romantic, and full of heart.

I recently photographed a elopement here, and it was absolutely unforgettable. We hiked up to the bald, and the panoramic views at sunset made every step worth it. This is a location I will always recommend to couples looking for something naturally stunning and deeply meaningful.

If you're dreaming of a mountain elopement or engagement session, Roan Mountain is one of the most magical spots in the Southeast. You’ll fall in love here—I’ve seen it happen.

— Emilie | Appalachian...

This is one of the busiest trail heads I have ever seen on the AT. From Spring through Fall, you are likely to find the parking lot full and vehicles parked down the road in either direction for quite a way. The trailhead sits right on the NC & TN line, and from there you get some beautiful views in either direction. This visit the Fall colors were about at their peak so there were lots of people there just to take in the scenery. A short hike North on the AT takes you to a series of bald peaks with more incredible views. South on the trail is a relatively easy hike through thick pine forest. Lots of families with kids take shorter hikes from here. The weather can change quickly - especially in Spring and Fall. This day started out overcast but clear and within an hour turned misty and then to light rain. There is a small parking lot here with a single stall restroom. On a busy day it can be hard to turn around in the parking lot and on the...