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Roan Mountain: Highway 143, Roan Highlands, Tennessee
Photo: Dallas Krentzel · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives Tennessee Knoxville, Chattanooga and East Tennessee

Roan Mountain: Highway 143

TN 143 · Roan Mountain → Carvers Gap

Twisty12.2 mi20 min3,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 5,500 ftOne way
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The drive

TN 143 climbs from the town of Roan Mountain through Roan Mountain State Park to Carvers Gap, a state scenic parkway of the Cherokee National Forest. The gap sits at 5,512 feet on the North Carolina line, and the Appalachian Trail starts from the parking area.

The Forest Service describes long-distance mountain vistas, picnic spots, rhododendrons and spruce-fir forests along the way. The gap gives access to the high balds on Roan Mountain.

The drive is 12.2 miles and about 20 minutes, rated Twisty, with three twisty stretches, and 3,100 feet of climb.

Along the way

  1. Roan Mountain (US 19E)
  2. Carvers Gap
Elevation
3,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 5,500 ft
Roan MountainCarvers Gap
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
Roan MountainCarvers Gap
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Carvers Gap is open year-round, but snow and ice are possible in fall, winter and spring because of the elevation.
  • Parking at the gap is limited, and no potable water is available.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Cherokee National Forest: Carvers Gap.

Questions about this drive

How high is Carvers Gap?

Carvers Gap is 5,512 feet, on the Tennessee and North Carolina line.

Is Carvers Gap open in winter?

The site is open year-round, but snow and ice are possible in fall, winter and spring.

How long does TN 143 to Carvers Gap take?

Roan Mountain to Carvers Gap is 12.2 miles and takes about 20 minutes.

Does the Appalachian Trail cross at Carvers Gap?

Yes. The Appalachian Trail starts from the Carvers Gap parking area.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Roan Mountain: Highway 143, from Roan Mountain to Carvers Gap