Drive to the top. Observation tower is being replaced and will reopen in Summer 2008.
Enjoy a 360-degree view from the top of the tower.
Looking from the observation tower toward Mt Craig
The Deep Gap Trail is a popular North Carolina hiking trail that affords the best view of Mount Mitchell.
Many of the trees on Mount Mitchell are dying from the Balsam Wooly Adelgid insect, air pollution, and acid precipitation. The twisted shapes of the dead trees can make dramatic photographs.
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TIPS FOR VISITING MOUNT MITCHELL
1. Bring a jacket or an extra layer of clothes. Temperatures are usually 10-30 degrees cooler than Asheville. Weather conditions can change rapidly. Take rain gear along if you are hiking.
2. Eight out of ten days, the summit is covered in clouds and fog. Watch the weather, and try to visit when skies are very clear in Asheville.
3. Allow plenty of driving time to reach Mt Mitchell (at least one hour from Asheville). The entrance is from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the traffic can be slow, especially on the weekends.
4. Try to visit May through October, when the restaurant, exhibit hall and gift shop are open. The park is open year-round, however sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway close during much of the winter between Asheville and Mt. Mitchell. During most of the winter, the only route is taking the Parkway south from NC Highway 80. Clear winter days can provide the longest views, but the wind and frigid temperatures can be unbearable. Call the Park office at 828-675-4611 to check winter road conditions. Read about Parkway closing in 2008 south of Mt. Mitchell.
OVERVIEW OF MOUNT MITCHELL
Located in a 1,855-acre North Carolina State Park, Mount Mitchell (elevation 6,684 feet) is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Located about 35 miles northeast of downtown Asheville, you reach Mount Mitchell via a very scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the Parkway, take NC Highway 128 all the way to the summit. Because of the altitude, many of the plants and animals are like those native to alpine environments of Canada. Mt. Mitchell is part of the Black Mountain range, formed more than a billion years ago. Six peaks in the small range are among the ten highest in the eastern United States. The observer tower is being replaced and will not reopen until Spring 2008. Tour the exhibit hall and dine in the restaurant. Hike the highest North Carolina hiking trails. Tent camping is allowed ($12/day), but showers and hot water are not provided.
OBSERVATION TOWER: Portions of the summit area and the tower trail will be closed until Summer 2008 due to construction of a new observation platform. There will also be trail detours on Old Mitchell Trail, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and the Balsam Nature Trail.
EXHIBIT HALL: The 1,385 square-foot exhibit hall, located near the summit at the main parking area, is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., May through October. If offers insight into the mountain's natural, cultural and historical faces. The interactive weather station is particularly interesting.
HIKING: To enjoy the diverse flora and fauna in the forests on the summit, take a walk on the loftiest North Carolina hiking trails. Even a short walk can be very rewarding. Our two favorite trails are relatively easy:
Balsam Trail: This easy, self-guided interpretive trail gives a glimpse at the effects of acid rain. This 3/4 mile loop trail begins near the observation tower. Go to the top of the observation tower, and as you head back to the parking lot, look for the Balsam Trail on the right. The trails ends at the parking lot. Pick up a guide at the park office or summit gift shop.
Deep Gap Trail: For great views of Mount Mitchell from Mount Craig (6,645 feet, the second highest peak in the eastern United States), take a two-mile roundtrip hike through a Canadian-like forest. Deep Gap Trail begins at the picnic area near the beginning of the summit parking area. You will descend Mitchell and climb to the peak of Craig. The hike includes a good bit of climbing, but it is not overly strenuous. If you want to go farther, Deep Gap Trail continues for another 3.5 miles and crosses three more peaks above 6,000 feet.
DINING AND SHOPPING: Enjoy a relaxing meal in the restaurant, located a half mile from the entrance of the park. Open May through October, it has a casual menu and scenic views. If the weather is nice, order a meal to go and drive up to the shady picnic area at the summit (near the beginning of the parking lot). A gift shop and concession stand are located at the summit.
CAMPING: The nine-site family campground is open throughout the year. Only tent camping is allowed. Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Modern restrooms for use during warm seasons are located nearby. Showers and hot water are not provided. In the winter, campers have access to pit toilets, and no running water is available. Campsites are available on a first-come basis for a modest fee. Campers may leave vehicles in the park overnight to backpack into the Pisgah National Forest. Visitors who leave their vehicles in the park must register on the forms provided at the trailheads near the parking area or at the park office. Mount Mitchell offers a choice of trails from which to enjoy the nearby alpine woodlands.
HOW TO GET THERE
The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed north of Asheville. So you will need to take I-40 East from Asheville to Exit 86. Follow U.S. 221 North about 10 miles to U.S. 70 West. Go about two miles to NC Highway 80 and go north to the Parkway. Drive south on the Parkway to the entrance of Mt. Mitchell State Park.
HOURS AND ADMISSION
- Park hours are November-February 8-6, March and October 8-7, April and September 8-8, and May-August 8-9. The park is closed on Christmas Day. During the winter months, call the park office (828-675-4611) to see which roads are open. Mt. Mitchell averages 100+ inches of snow each winter.
- Admission is free.
Download PDF map of Mount Mitchell State Park.
For more information go to the Mount Mitchell Web site.
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