 State Routes TN-143/NC-261 — which connect the village of Roan Mountain in Tennessee with Bakersville, North Carolina — ascend the northeast slope of Roan Mountain, crossing its crest at Carver's Gap.The Appalachian Trail can be accessed from Carver's Gap (it runs perpendicular to the highway), where there is a small parking lot.To the east (across the street from the parking lot), the trail ascends Round Bald and proceeds across Grassy Ridge.