Roan Mountain State Park: Forest Road Trail

This year, to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, my friend Randall and I went hiking in Roan Mountain State Park. Though there are a lot of good trails in the park, we chose the Forest Road Trail. The trail-head is right across the road from the Visitors Center.

We didn't really plan how far we would go - the entire trail from start to finish is about three miles long. We hiked about half of it - from the trailhead above to the place where the path turns back and crosses the highway right before a narrow but well-kept bridge over the Doe River. The trail was challenging - lots of ups and downs. It made me wish I'd had those hiking poles I mentioned a couple of weeks ago!

It's hard to see but the trail actually curves around the side of the hill here. The blazes that mark this path are bright purple and easy to see, although there are a few spots where it takes a bit of time to find the next blaze. It is worth taking the time to make sure you stay on-path - even though the highway is always on your left, you can't always see or hear it, and it isn't worth the risk of getting lost to save a few minutes. There are some other spots where the trail is extremely steep - much easier to climb up than pick your way down. The deep leaves hide knotted tree roots and stones, so be careful walking.

Near the intersection with the highway, the track branches north-west, toward the Miller Homestead and Chestnut Ridge. This is a trail for experienced hikers (according to the sign). I will hike it in the future, but I definitely want to have hiking poles first.

 

The verse I chose to concentrate on this week was from the book of John, 8:31-32: "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." I spent some time thinking about these words as I walked, and before the end of the journey, I learned a very important personal truth about my own emotions. I'm not entirely sure yet where that truth might lead me, but the journey is the destination.

It was one of the best Thanksgiving holidays I've ever experienced. Next time I hike this trail, I'll start at the bridge and walk the rest of the Forest Road Trail - maybe this Saturday. Until next time - happy hiking!