The Cloudland Trail follows the crest of Roan Mountain and runs through stands of red spruce, mountain ash, Fraser fir and rhododendron. This area receives abundant rainfall, so moss covers most of the tree trunks and surrounding ground. Look for a spur trail on the right after .1 mile, which leads to an overlook. The trail passes adjacent to parking lost #2 and goes on to cross Forest Road 130. The trail terminates at a wooden overlook at Roan High Bluff which provides excellent views of Bald Mountain, Unaka Mountain, the valley of Buladean and the flatlands in Tennessee. Be sure to look for shrubs like sand myrtle and green alder and also for several endangered wildflowers like Gray's Lily and mountain avens. Restrooms and picnic facilities are available at the parking area.

Directions: From Burnsville, NC, Travel east on US 19E to Spruce Pine, turn left (north) on SR 226 and follow to Bakersville. Once in Bakersville, the road changes to SR 261. Follow this to Carvers Gap where the TN / NC state line is located. Look for the Roan Mountain sign on your left and turn left on SR 1348. The Appalachian Trail crosses here. Follow SR 1348 and turn right at the first parking lot, not at the parking lot at Carvers Gap. The Cloudland trailhead is on the left as you enter the parking lot and is well marked with orange blazes.

Elevation: 6,270 feet

Elevation Gain: 110 feet

Distance: 1.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

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