Roundtop Mountain Class II Natural-Scientific State Natural Area

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Roundtop Mountain is a 237-acre natural area located in the southwest corner of Sevier County west of Wears Cove Gap and east-northeast of Townsend. It forms a section of the northwest boundary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP). When it was originally acquired, Roundtop Mountain was contiguous with approximately one mile of GSMNP boundary. It was acquired by the State in 1975 to protect this area of the Unaka Mountain range as a state natural area. At the time of its acquisition, and even today, these steep mountain slopes remain highly susceptible to summer home and vacation rental developments. While the State initially planned to manage this area, it was quickly determined that Roundtop Mountain could best be managed by the National Park Service as a part of the GSMNP.

The natural area occurs in the Unaka Mountains between 1,800 and 3,000 feet in elevation. This is one of the least visited areas in the Smokies and is very peaceful. While there is no trail access into the 237 acres that were designated, hikers can climb through a dry oak-pine forest on a south-facing slope following the Roundtop trail, which leaves from the Metcalf Bottoms parking area and heads toward Townsend. Common plant species in the understory include mountain laurel and American holly. In the spring, flaming azalea provides seasonal color. Table mountain pine and pitch pine are dominant trees found along the ridge tops.

Site Management

National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738, phone (865) 436 1261; Division of Natural Areas - East TN office, 3711 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921, phone (865) 594-5601; Division of Natural Areas, William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243, phone (615) 532-0431.

Public Access

Open to the Public - Full Access
Limited parking is provided at Metcalf Bottoms. The Roundtop trail can be accessed from a small two car parking area near the park boundary or by walking the road from Metcalf Bottoms picnic area.

Parking: Yes
Trail: Yes
Dogs on Leash: No
Hunting: No
Fishing: No
Camping: No

Directions

From U.S. Highway 321 (5.5 miles east of Townsend or 9.5 miles west of Pigeon Forge), turn south on Lyon Springs Road toward Little River Road in the GSMNP. Roundtop Mountain will be visible on your right as you proceed toward the Park. A small parking area is on the your left as you enter the Park at Wear Cove Gap. Metcalf Bottoms picnic area has additional parking is 1.2 miles from Wear Cove Gap.

Details & Map

  • Map to Roundtop Mountain
  • Owned by the National Park Service
  • Wear Cove 7.5-minute quadrangle
  • Unaka Mountains Physiographic Province
  • Designated in 1974