roan

A bit more on Roan Mountain state park. This Tenessee state park is only 2000 acres, but it feels much larger when you're down in the foothills at 2600 feet, looking up at The Roan 2500 feet above. Of course it's nestled inside the Chreokee National Forest, so the undeveloped land really does extend much further.

Hiking around today I kept feeling like I was in California, I'm not sure if this is because of all the rhodadendrons, which are a deeper shade of green, like is common out there, or the chilly wheather, or the lack of undergrowth (spring is coming slower up here), or something about the unusual rockforms I encountered.

I also enjoyed seeing some deer, and crossing a myriad of little streams, each unique. Usually when I get here I immediately head up to the top of the mountain to see the view and experience the balds. I probably won't get up there until Friday this time, and it's interesting to take in the rest of the park for a change.