![\"image\"](\"http:\/\/hnatow.com\/happytrails\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/wpid-20140512_111858_richtonehdr.jpg\" "\\"20140512_111858_Richtone(HDR).jpg\\"")
<\/a>Little Rock Knob<\/p><\/div>\n
We later began the 4 mile ascent to Roan Mountain. This was, in my opinion, the most challenging climb we’ve had so far. The last mile or so was extremely vertical with very few switchbacks (so it was pretty much just straight up the mountain) and really rough terrain and trail conditions. It was a lot of fun! There weren’t really any views on Roan itself, but it led to several balds with amazing vistas. <\/p>\n
<\/a>Round Bald<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>More from Round Bald<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Jane Bald<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>A nice guy offered to take our picture<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>Looking back at the trail leading up all these balds (with large thunderhead chilling above)<\/p><\/div>\n
The downside was that a large thunderstorm was threatening as we hustled across these balds. It seems like every time we approach a bald, a storm threatens. Oh well! It held out until we got off them thankfully, but we did get rained on for the last hour or so of our hiking day.
\nWe hiked on for a total of a bit over 22 miles today. We went against our normal stealth camping ways and are staying at a shelter. The reason is this shelter is unique, as it’s a renovated\/converted barn that holds way more people than a normal shelter. <\/p>\n