The Roan Mountain Highlands are often voted the favorite section of the Appalachian Trail by thru hikers and section hikers alike.  Unlike much of the southern A.T. known as the "Green Tunnel", the Highlands offer summits which provide unhindered views of the mountains of east Tennessee and western North Carolina.

The Shades State Park 12 Hour, aka “Death by Shades”, is a short and not difficult route--when run once. However, it becomes a formidable feat to stack loops on top of each other, as the technicality of the terrain and the vertical gain and loss begin to add up. The loop totals ~0.8 miles and ~150-180 ft of gain and loss.  The route is a favorite of runners familiar with the area, including college cross-country teams and local ultra/trail runners who use the loop to quickly accumulate more gain and loss than is otherwise easily available in Indiana.