When visiting Mt Mitchell State Park for the first time, there are a few things you want to make sure you visit. Sure, hiking is the main thing you’ll probably do here, but there are lots of other things you should see and do!
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Getting to the park
GPS coordinates to the park: 35.7528, -82.2737. You can always use Google Maps to get to the park.
Depending on the weather and season, you may have trouble getting to the summit (check here for up-to-date information on conditions). You’ll be fine if driving during the summer.
From Asheville, travel north on the Blue Ridge Parkway until you come to road 128 (about 30 miles) and turn left. Drive to the end of the road to the park.
Park hours
The park is generally open at reasonable times. Plan accordingly:
- November to February: 7:00am to 6:00pm
- March to April: 7:00am to 8:00pm
- May to August: 7:00am to 10:00pm
- September to October: 7:00am to 9:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
The park office has different hours than above.
- November to March: 8:00am to 5:00pm on weekdays; closed on weekends
- April to October: 8:00am to 5:00pm daily
Hiking trails
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You have no shortage of trails in the park. During your longer hikes, you may come across nature in its natural habitat. Birds, bunnies, deer, and even bears roam these areas.
NOTE: Use caution when around wildlife and NEVER approach a bear.
Here’s a list of the ones you should visit:
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Summit Trail: .15 miles one-way. This 280-yeard paved road begins at the upper summit parking lot and leads to the summit observation platform.
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Balsam Nature Trail: .75 mile loop, this self-guided nature trail starts at its junction with the Mount Mitchell Trail and ends at the tower summit parking lot.
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Camp Alice Trail: .5 mile one-way, this strenuous trail intersects the Old Mitchell Trail 0.25 mile from the summit and descends the south side of Mount Mitchell to an area called Camp Alice, an old logging camp from the early 1900s.
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Commissary Trail: 2 miles one-way, this easy 2-mile hike starts at the park office and follows an old logging railroad bed used in the early 1900s.
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Deep Gap Trail: 4.3 miles one-way, This 4.3-mile trail beginning at the picnic area near the summit of Mount Mitchell has spectacular vistas that are seen on clear days as one hikes this moderately to strenuously difficult trail.
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Mount Mitchell Trail: 6 miles one-way. Today, this is the trail mainly used to climb Mount Mitchell. The trail begins at the Black Mountain Campground (operated by the U.S. Forest Service) and ends at the summit.
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Old Mitchell Trail: 2.2 miles one-way. This preserved trail originated along the North Fork of the Swannanoa River, extended along the crests of the Black Mountains and ended at the summit of Mount Mitchell. Originally used by explorers as early as the 1840s.
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Tallest point – 6,684 feet elevation
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The summit can be accessed via car and a .15 mile-long walk up a paved road. Visitors love to take pictures of the vast views and posted sign near the platform.
At this point, visitors will be at the highest elevation in North Carolina east of the Mississippi River.
Restaurant
Serving traditional food such as burgers, soups, sandwiches, and salad. Great when you need a place to eat after a hike.
Here are the hours:
- May 3 to August 31: 11:00am to 7:00pm
- September 1 to October 31: 11:00am to 7:00pm
Museum
The 1,385-square-foot exhibit hall is located near the mountain’s summit. It offers visitors an insight into the mountain’s natural, cultural, and historical faces.
Hours between May to October: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Concession Stand / Gift Shop
Adjacent to the summit parking lot, is open daily from May through October from 10am until 6pm. Light snacks, crafts and books may be purchased here. Restrooms are also available.
Pictures from visitors:
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Mt. Mitchell’s Deep Gap Trail:
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