Important Roan Mountain tract now in public ownership The Roan Mountain Gateway provides beautiful views of the iconic area. USFS/Dan Belanger photo A 91-acre area known as the Roan Mountain Gateway is now in U.S. Forest Service ownership after the Southern Appalachians Highlands Conservancy recently transferred it to public ownership. The acreage was the last privately owned land on N.C. 261 before reaching the popular Carvers Gap area, where the Appalachian Trail crosses. The Roan Mountain Gateway is prominent in views from Round Bald and Jane Bald, iconic locations along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in the Highlands of Roan. The land contains high-elevation habitat, including restored habitat for neo-tropical migratory Golden-winged Warblers and other species, as well as headwater tributaries that flow into local trout streams.