Roan Mountain along the Tennessee-North Carolina line reaches 6,285 ft. (the
10th highest in Tennessee). I would suggest that you take along a warm jacket
but not a heavy jacket. Temperatures will be much cooler in the early morning
and late evening. You might try layering with a long-sleeved shirt under a
light jacket. During the middle of the day, temperatures may be about the same
as in the lower elevation around the town of Roan Mountain or even Johnson City
for that matter. However, keep in mind that the low elevations around the
mountain are 3,000 ft. so that is fairly high to begin with. The elevation at
Carver's Gap, where they will park and bird on Roan Mountain, is 5,512.
Whitetop Mountain, VA second highest, is 5,520 ft so that will help some of you
determine. Mount Rogers (VA highest mountain) is about 5,700 ft. If you go
on the Shady Valley trip, the elevation there is 2,800 feet so that will not be
particularly cooler. But you might sense needing a light jacket early on.
Johnson City is 1,635 ft. so you will be able to tell the difference between
the hotel and Carver's Gap. You will definitely need a light and warm jacket
for any of the Saw-whet Owl trips.
