Eastern America’s tallest mountain peak is found in – you guessed it – North Carolina and any visit here is sure to create long-lasting memories of the adventure. Exploring Mount Mitchell first begins with a long and scenic drive at a turn off from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The drive up the mountain concludes at a spacious parking lot that, quite frankly, often fills up quickly during summer and fall. You may want to get an especially early start if you’re planning this adventure during those months.
TripAdvisor/D2958ZXgarym
The trail to the summit which is an impressive 6,684 feet above sea level (for those into fractions, that’s 1.25 miles above sea level), begins at the edge of the parking lot just beyond the visitor center.
alltrails/Ann C It’s paved and very wide. If practicing social distancing, you’ll want your mask simply because the trail can get crowded, especially during the summer and fall.
The hike is short and sweet at only four-tenths of a mile up the path. It’s uphill all the way, but the elevation gain is only 91 feet.
Google Images/Nial Williams
The views, alone, may make you forget you’re getting a good workout. Plus, remember you’re also at a much higher elevation here so it’s also entirely likely you may feel short of breath. But again, that view…
Flickr/Kolin Toney
In no time at all, visitors reach the 360-degree observation deck atop the summit, where the big payoff is delivered ten-fold in relation to the efforts made getting to this point.
Google Images/Deertan Natur
Snap a photo of the official marker and of the sign with the elevation, and then…
alltrails/Roy Cunningham
Drink in the intoxicating views from the top of the highest mountain peak in all of Eastern America!
Google Images/Samanta Stadmiller
There’s just something so very enriching about experiencing the views from the summit of Mount Mitchell. Have you visited and notched your hiking stick with a win for this trail yet?
TripAdvisor/D2958ZXgarym
alltrails/Ann C
It’s paved and very wide. If practicing social distancing, you’ll want your mask simply because the trail can get crowded, especially during the summer and fall.
Google Images/Nial Williams
Flickr/Kolin Toney
Google Images/Deertan Natur
alltrails/Roy Cunningham
Google Images/Samanta Stadmiller
To keep the Mount Mitchell love going while you’ll there, a little farther down the mountain, there’s a must-visit restaurant at Mount Mitchell State Park. Check it out! And you can learn more about Mount Mitchell State Park from the official website.
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Address: Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
