Roan Mountain Park to undergo renovations this year

The US Forest Service said areas of Roan Mountain, including the rhododendron gardens, Roan High Bluff and the Cloudland Trail, will be closed for renovations this summer. It’s part of a $2.5 million project funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. Officials say the annual Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival will go on as scheduled this June. The renovation will include improvements to water services and roads, picnic sites, observation decks and more features in the gardens. The estimated completion date for the renovations is expected to be late summer or early fall.