Image Index

The Roan Highlands are home to interesting rock formations and plant communities.

The origin of grassy balds, like this one elsewhere in the Blue Ridge, is a mystery to scientists.

Figure 1. Roan Mountain Highlands as seen from their base.

Figure 2. A grassy bald with exposed gneiss.

Figure 3. Another view of the grassy bald community.

Figure 4. Seams of quartz are visible in this gneiss, which is the oldest rock in North Carolina.

Figure 5. This boulder was quarried from the mountainside.

Figure 6. A second type of rock found in the Roan Highlands, gabbro, is visible in the foreground.

Figure 7. Both types of rock are visible in this photograph.

Figure 8. Why this grassy bald exists next to thriving trees is a mystery.

Figure 9. Trees can survive when planted in a grassy bald, as these spruce and fir were in the 1930s.

Figure 10. A mature spruce-fir forest on Roan High Knob.

Figure 11. Trees grow densely in this spruce-fir forest, even on top of a boulder!

Figure 12. Snow may remain in the forest interior long after it has melted on nearby balds.

Figure 13. Hardwoods on the flanks of the Roan Highlands include beech, birch, and buckeye as well as white oak.

Figure 14. The angle of the sun on these opposite-facing slopes creates different climates.

Figure 15. At high elevations, small creeks leave rocks untouched.

Figure 16. At lower elevations, the force of the creek's current has eroded the boulders.

Figure 17. At the bottom of the mountain, the creek can carry destructive force.