Can I launch from Roan mountain?

Jhackl1 · Sep 20, 2021

Hi all,

I am going to Roan mountain this weekend and would love to get some drone footage but I can't tell if I can launch from there or not. For clarity, I plan to stay in NC as the TN side appears to be a state park so no fly there. But I also saw the app trail goes through this area so no fly over it. So does anyone know if I can launch from Roan? If it is allowed, how far away from the app trail do I need to be? Any answers or suggested sites to find this info greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim

eEridani · Sep 21, 2021

Google is your friend.

Photography in Tennessee State Parks

Tennessee State Parks support the efforts of photographers and videographers looking for ways to express themselves through visual mediums. The following information will help drone pilots, photographers and videographers secure the appropriate access and credentials to shoot and film in...

tnstateparks.com

Point 2 under general ...

https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules/0400/0400-02/0400-02-02.20160608.pdf

And for NC State Parks, seems are also verboten:

Drone Laws in North Carolina (2024) - UAV Coach

A list of drone regulations and links for people flying drones in North Carolina.

uavcoach.com

NCAC 13B .1204 // 2018

This North Carolina administrative code prohibits drones from ascending or taking-off within or upon any state park area or state park water surface. In some limited circumstances, drones may be operated after obtaining a special activity permit from the Park

Seems the idiots went wild in those two states and ruined it for everyone.

Take the drone - and ask nicely at one of the ranger stations, explain what you want to do, they may give you a permit. If they say no, enjoy the scenery with your choice of terrestrial camera.

Jhackl1 · Sep 21, 2021

Thanks for your reply. I saw that TN was a state park but in NC it's part of the Pisgah national forest which does allow drones as long as it not in wilderness or TRFs. I see I didn't phrase my question very well so I'll retry. The App Trail is considered a National Park, so no fly. The App Trail runs along the Bald where it would be great to launch and capture some footage. How far does the trail extend beyond the Trail? I.e. if I walk 100 yards off the trail, can I launch there or do I have to be farther?

Thanks again for your reply.

JimWest · Sep 21, 2021

Jhackl1 said:
Thanks for your reply. I saw that TN was a state park but in NC it's part of the Pisgah national forest which does allow drones as long as it not in wilderness or TRFs. I see I didn't phrase my question very well so I'll retry. The App Trail is considered a National Park, so no fly. The App Trail runs along the Bald where it would be great to launch and capture some footage. How far does the trail extend beyond the Trail? I.e. if I walk 100 yards off the trail, can I launch there or do I have to be farther?

Thanks again for your reply.

I don't think you're right that the AT is a national park. Of course, the trail goes through some national parks, Shenendoah NP for instance, and you can't fly there, but otherwise, it would depend on what agency manages that section.

eEridani · Sep 21, 2021

Ask the NPS which sections of the AT are managed by the NPS, and which sections are managed by other agencies. There may be some wiggle room there. Unlike the PCT, seems the NPS is hording the responsibility and management oversight of the AT.

Laws & Policies - Appalachian National Scenic Trail (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

I'll toss in I'm not an expert at these things and am in a learning phase myself.

Jhackl1 · Sep 21, 2021

Appreciate it, thanks!

thispilothere · Sep 21, 2021

Can't you just find some private property to take off and land from? Probably several places near where you want to shoot.

If the parks services want to provide what they consider safe launch points, I'll use them and follow their rules. If not, I'll find a place I think is safe enough to get the shot I want. It's unreasonable to ban drones entirely in huge areas.

sar104 · Sep 22, 2021

Jhackl1 said:
Thanks for your reply. I saw that TN was a state park but in NC it's part of the Pisgah national forest which does allow drones as long as it not in wilderness or TRFs. I see I didn't phrase my question very well so I'll retry. The App Trail is considered a National Park, so no fly. The App Trail runs along the Bald where it would be great to launch and capture some footage. How far does the trail extend beyond the Trail? I.e. if I walk 100 yards off the trail, can I launch there or do I have to be farther?

Thanks again for your reply.

Looks to be a couple of hundred meters either side of the trail:

Jhackl1 · Sep 22, 2021

JimWest said:
I don't think you're right that the AT is a national park. Of course, the trail goes through some national parks, Shenendoah NP for instance, and you can't fly there, but otherwise, it would depend on what agency manages that section.

Thanks!

sar104 said:
Looks to be a couple of hundred meters either side of the trail:

View attachment 135192

Thanks!

brewc · Dec 11, 2021

Curious what you did when you went?
I live relatively close by there. I had thought maybe take off from the road on a pull off spot down from the parking area on NC side.