One of North Carolina’s most famous landmarks has a historical significance most people don’t know about: It is officially the oldest state park in the entire southeastern United States. Read on to learn more and see some rare images of lookout towers that once graced the summit of Mount Mitchell State Park in North Carolina.
It’s not difficult to see why the highest peak east of the Mississippi was chosen as North Carolina’s first state park more than 100 years ago, in 1915.
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
Even from the parking lot where visitors embark on the 0.4-mile hike up to the summit, the views are astounding.
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
Most natives are very familiar with the state’s tallest peak. But how much do you really know about the history of Mount Mitchell?
wikipedia/Brian Stansberry Pictured here from nearby Mt. Craig, Mount Mitchell was originally called Black Dome. It was renamed after Elisha Mitchell, a professor at the University of North Carolina who risked his life surveying the mountain peak to prove it was, in fact, the highest east of the Mississippi.
Mitchell fell to his death upon his return of finally obtaining survey proof of his claim.
Wikipedia/RadioFan
Today, visitors take a short 10-15 minute walk up a scenic mountain path to arrive at an impressive observation deck on the crest of the summit.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM But this isn’t the first of the observation towers that have graced the peak of Mount Mitchell.
According to the North Carolina State Parks and Recreation, this triangular structure with a ladder is the first observation tower placed on Mount Mitchell’s peak.
Facebook/North Carolina State Parks and Recreation
Later versions of observation towers offered easier access and room for more people to enjoy the view at once.
Facebook/North Carolina State Parks and Recreation
Of course, the views while driving up to the top of this enormous mountain are equally impressive, no matter the season.
Facebook/North Carolina State Parks and Recreation Fortunately, the state parks service keeps the park open for as long as possible once the snow starts to fly. However, access to the entrance can be hindered if nearby parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed due to snow.
What’s your favorite season to reconnect with this huge mountain? And did you realize this is the oldest and first state park in the entire South? That’s North Carolina… we’re trendsetters, through and through.
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
wikipedia/Brian Stansberry
Pictured here from nearby Mt. Craig, Mount Mitchell was originally called Black Dome. It was renamed after Elisha Mitchell, a professor at the University of North Carolina who risked his life surveying the mountain peak to prove it was, in fact, the highest east of the Mississippi.
Wikipedia/RadioFan
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
But this isn’t the first of the observation towers that have graced the peak of Mount Mitchell.
Facebook/North Carolina State Parks and Recreation
Fortunately, the state parks service keeps the park open for as long as possible once the snow starts to fly. However, access to the entrance can be hindered if nearby parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed due to snow.
Learn more about the history of Mount Mitchell and Black Dome from the official website for North Carolina State Parks and Recreation. You’ll also find a link there for park hours and other amenities within the park (a restaurant, for instance).
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Address: Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
