mount mitchell

The Mount Mitchell trail (starts near the parking lot in the Black Mountain Campground by the Toe River) is an 11.4 mile out and back trail with a 3500 ft elevation gain. What makes it unique is the changes in the ecosystem from the base to the summit. It starts with dense rhododendron thickets, then gradually thins out and incorporates more tall eastern woods trees, and at the top are northern Canadian examples of moss covered red spruces and pines. Unfortunately, I made the hike on a foggy day and never had a clear view of the valley from the top, however, I was amazed at how beautiful the trail was despite the fog. Although a difficulty hike, it is well worth the effort. Most trails that I have done, I may never take the time to go back and hike again, but I will certainly be back to hike this one again. It was a beaut! Also, be sure to take a packed lunch with you to eat at the top.For reference, I drank ~2.5 liters of water during my run and, although there were a few streams to cross, my Salomon Sense Mantra (not water-proof) did just fine.

On a clear day seems like you can see for a hundred miles in every direction. Good hiking trails for casual or extended hikes. Visitor's center with refreshments. Plenty of picnic space. Camping is limited to a small area for primitive sites only. During the summer months there is a restaurant that serves good food with a spectacular view. The balsam tress once ravaged by the woolly adelgids are making a slow comeback. At one time the top of the mountain was barren of all tress, but thankfully that has changed. The new observation tower is quite a structure; it doesn't seem as high as the old one, but the views are still breathtaking.

From the top there is a platform with maps that show you what you are looking at. You can see "forever" from here! There are hiking trails that cross this mountain, so get a map from the visitor's center if you want to venture off the beaten trail! There is a restaurant near the top that is excellent also!

We go motorcycle riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway every summer. Mt Mitchell is a great place to stop, eat, then continue to the top for the gorgeous view. The hike from the parking lot to the peak is fairly steep but they have golf carts to shuttle handicap and elderly visitors. The restaurant staff is super friendly and their grill cheese sandwiches are the best!

Going up the mountain is insane. We took the Blue Ridge Parkway. There were so many curves so sticking to the speed limit is a must. Going up little by little there are little areas where you can stop and get out, take pictures and just absorb mother nature. Futher up we were lucky enough to find icicles on the side of the mountains. It was picture time. Once you get inside to hike or do what you want to do there is an office. They are very helpful in everything and there is a map to tell you what to take if you are a beginner or expert. It was very quite when we went. You can just hear the wind blow through the trees pretty cool instead of the traffic noise we hear everyday. I felt like little red riding hood in the forest. During Winter be careful and wear appropriate shoes and clothing temperatures change drastically sometimes. I didn't wear the right shoes and there were ice on the steps. I ended up getting chiggers by grasping the green moss and hugging tress to get down slowly. You get a very nasty itch you cannot imagine. Anyways bring your camera, be ready to walk, enjoy the scene.

This is always a highlight to our annual pilgrimage to the fall leaf season. Good restaurant with a great view! Go all the way to the top of the mountain and there is viewing decks for a spectacular endless view. Check the weather before you leave to go up to this park. The topography creates its own weather. So it may be nice in the valley but could be cloudy to the point their is no view. Also expect up to a 20 degree temperature change due to the elevation.This park is a MUST SEE!

The drive to the Mt. Mitchell is extremely beautiful! Mountains as far as the eye can see! Once you arrive and park there is a short walk to the top. And once you are there you are rewarded with the most amazing views! So peaceful & beautiful! I could have stayed there forever!!

I have been here many times. Off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mount Mitchell is worth the drive from miles around. The lookout point, on a clear day, enables you to see for many, many miles. The best time to go is in the fall when the leaves are at their peak- it will steal your breath away.

Beautiful view! Totally worth the drive! I took my mom and then the next weekend went with my friends. The park is stunning ams the restaurant is top notch! Good country cooking and friendly waitresses. In the late fall take a jacket it's a bit windy at the top. The trails rock and it's a fun day trip!

My son, who lives in Asheville, drove us to Mount Mitchell one beautiful Fall day. It took a bit longer than we expected but was well worth the drive. It was interesting to see the change from deciduous forests to low scrub then to high elevation fir trees as we continued our upward drive. When you arrive at the Museum/Information building do not stop there. Continue the walk up to the observation deck. This will only take you 5 minutes, though it is somewhat of a steep climb.The views from the highest point of Mount Mitchell are spectacular, especially on a clear day when you can see Klingman's Dome in Tennessee. I was taken by the strong evergreen scent of the Frasier firs. Because of several issues, including acid rain, the firs are dying off in large numbers. Do make the trip before they are gone!The season is short, even though this mountain is in North Carolina. I would not attempt a trip there during the winter when the winds reach 80 - 100 mph and the temperatures drop well below zero.

Beautiful place. It was a lovely drive up to the top, and the panoramic views were spectacular. You can see all the way to Tennessee and all the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Well worth a stop.

I have been to a lot of places, these are the most beautiful I have seen. I have lived here for 39 years and never get tired of seeing them. It's the highest mountain East of the Mississippi River. Come and see them for yourself you want regret it.

Lovely day hiking around the area and a fun insightful museum. Will not be disappointed. This is a great spot to go hiking.

You can see for miles... if the fog is at bay. if you are there at sunset, your senses will explode!! an awesome place for photos. great for hiking.great for walking the dogs. great for camping too. this was my 2nd visit and i got there just before sunset and OH MY GAWD!! the scenery with the sunset took my breath away and left me speechless.

The clouds and weather on top of Mt Mitchell was incredibly different from the parkway! As a photographer, the brilliant fall foliage combined with the rolling clouds coming off Mt. Mitchell was one of the best shots of the trip.