Fresh, pure, and bright white snow creates a sense of childlike wonder that's impossible to deny. After several years of experiencing long and frigid winters, I thought I might have lost the spark that came from the first snow. However, I found that a hike up the Round Bald Trail after a snowstorm rejuvenated my imagination and sparked my inner child. If you are looking to surround yourself in a winter wonderland, a winter hike to Roan Mountain, Tennessee, is all you need to experience the true magic of snow.
We woke up one morning and were surprised to see our yard blanketed with a fresh coat of snow. We knew immediately that we needed to go out and get caught up in the wonder of the season before it melted.
We have been to Roan Mountain many times and we will usually hike up to Round Bald to take in the views of the mountains, but this day was going to be a wholly different experience.
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We knew we were in for a treat once we arrived at Roan Mountain State Park and witnessed the flowing river with snow-covered trees bending towards the flowing water. We sat just watching the water for some time because it was so quiet and peaceful.
I felt like we had stepped through a wardrobe and we were traveling through the countryside found in Narnia. The whole scene looked completely otherworldly and was filled with enchanted wonder. Our excitement grew as we approached the trailhead, knowing soon we would be walking among this gorgeous scene.
When we arrived at the trailhead, the familiar sign letting us know that we were now on the North Carolina border was completely covered in a layer of drifting snow. We checked the temperature and it was a freezing -6 degrees Fahrenheit! Despite the cold, we knew we couldn’t miss such a rare and wonderful opportunity.
After bundling up, we took off to climb the mountain. The wintery mix was the perfect medley of ingredients to create the most beautiful winter scene we have ever seen.
The rain had frozen on the pine needles, creating a layer of glittering, crystallized ice, that was blanketed with a fluffy layer of fresh snow. It was the most fascinating thing to see; the most enchanting winter wonderland in Tennessee.
A trip through what I call “The Dead Forest” (an area that houses tight groupings of evergreens) was also just as magical. The silence of snow mixed with the crunch of our boots along the trail created a wonderful symphony.
The fog of winter had settled in, making for low visibility as we emerged from the forest. That didn’t matter to us, though, because the journey itself was one of the most spectacular winter adventures we have ever had.
Full of joy and gaining a new sense of childlike wonder, there was nothing left to do but grab my puppy and warm him in my arms, then turn around back down the mountain.
A simple winter hike in Roan Mountain, Tennessee, created lifelong memory that we will never forget. Adventures are best when you embrace the moment and don’t allow circumstances to dictate your day. We work hard as a family to not allow inconveniences to detract from our wanderlust.
So next time you're looking for things to do in the winter in Tennessee, take it as a challenge to get outside and witness our beautiful world. If you are intrigued by this wonderous journey check out our Adventuring in the Moment video to get a look at this winter wonderland.
Being prepared is always important while exploring the outdoors. There are two things I always have with me during winter hikes: my micro spikes for when it gets icy and my AllTrails app to help guide my way. Make sure you check them both out because they have been a lifesaver for me in the past!
The Appalachian Trail is one of the most epic hikes in all of America. This iconic 2,190-mile hike that spans across 14 states is a daunting task for many and a distant dream for others. I can confidently say this trail is far above my capabilities, but I admire those who make the adventurous journey. I have, however, been fortunate enough to experience sections of the trail in many different states even hitting some of the high points along the way. The Appalachian Trail in Tennessee is very close to where I live now so I have had the privilege of traversing in the footsteps of those brave through hikers. So if you are like me, looking to dip your toes into the long-distance trail, here are some of the best places to hike the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee, without hiking the whole trail.
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I will highlight three of my favorite spots in Tennessee to enjoy the AT. The first one is one of the most iconic places in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park called Kowohi (Formerly known as Clingmans Dome). This observation tower is at the highest point in the Smokies so naturally offers some of the best views in the park. Having unobstructed 360-degree views of the mountains will give you the thrill and feel of an AT hiker.
The path for the Appalachian Trail crosses right in front of Kowohi and many through hikers even stop to admire the view. If you are looking to nab a few photos then you should know you can drive up the mountain and take the short paved trail to the tower. If you are feeling a bit adventurous you can even hop on the AT and hike a point-to-point trail leading to the Newfound Gap. From here another great option is the Charlies Bunion Trail with arguably one of the best views on a hiking trail in the Smokies.
Next up is a hidden gem found in a little town in East Tennessee called Hampton. Laurel Falls seems to be a very popular name for a waterfall since there are multiple waterfalls in the state with the same name, but this one is located in the Cherokee National Forest. The AT winds in and out of the trail system in this forest which means there are plenty of ways to find your way to this amazing waterfall. I have hiked to this waterfall from two different ways and both offer incredible trails through the national forest. The waterfall itself is a peaceful haven for any through hiker or casual waterfall chaser to enjoy the view. The breathtaking streams of water flow down the wet black rock creating a wonderful contrast I could sit and watch for hours.
I saved one of the best for last because Roan Mountain is known as the prettiest section of the Appalachian Trail. I know I haven't seen every bit of the AT but I can assure you this is one of the prettiest places I have ever been. There is no other trail than to hike the very same path as the Appalachian Trail which feels humbling when I see a grizzled hiking veteran zoom by me with a fifty-pound backpack. The view however is one of the most glorious scenes in all of Tennessee. You can drive up to the North Carolina border from Roan Mountain State Park and hike up to what is known as Round Bald, but you can also continue the path to places like Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge Bald for unfathomable views. If you love hiking then this spot alone is worth the trip from wherever in the country you call home.
The Appalachian Trail in Tennessee offers up a plethora of amazing sights and sounds but there are no rules against enjoying it in little slivers. If you only get out every so often then these three spots are well worth the visit. If you want to experience this iconic trail in smaller sections I would suggest getting the AllTrails app, as this has always been helpful to me in exploring all of the areas mentioned above. If you happen to be one of those thru hikers who has what it takes to traverse the mountains like they are your personal stepping stool then I congratulate you. I have much respect for those who take on such a massive challenge and maybe one day I will be just like you.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
