North Carolina Hikes: Mount Mitchell Summit Trail

Hike a short, but steep, paved trail to the summit of Mount Mitchell for incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River and in the Appalachian Mountains.

About Mount Mitchell State Park

Mount Mitchell State Park was the first state park in North Carolina, established in 1915. It contains the peak of Mount Mitchell at an outstanding 6,684 feet in elevation, as well as several other peaks like Mount Craig (the second highest peak east of the Mississippi), Mount Hallback, and Balsam Cone.

The state park offers a series of hiking trails, 9 tent camping sites, a museum, and a full-service restaurant open from May to October.

It’s free to visit the state park, and the park is open daily but has seasonal hours.

The park is easily accessed off the Blue Ridge Parkway and is just an hour’s drive from Asheville.

Mount Mitchell

Elisha Mitchell identified Mount Mitchell as the highest peak east of the Mississippi. He first measured the height of the mountain, known then as Black Dome, in 1835. Subsequent measurements between 1838 and 1844 further established Mount Mitchell as the highest peak in the Eastern U.S. at 6,684 feet.

Mitchell unfortunately fell to his death at nearby Mitchell Falls in 1857 on a trip to further verify his measurements, which had been challenged by his former student Thomas Clingman (who believed the highest peak was what’s now called Clingmans Dome in the Smoky Mountains, measured at just 41 feet shorter than Mount Mitchell). You can now find Mitchell’s tomb at the top of Mount Mitchell by the observation deck.

A U.S. Geological Survey in 1881-1882 upheld Mitchell’s measurements and officially named his peak Mount Mitchell.

Mount Mitchell Summit Trail Hike

The Mount Mitchell Summit Trail hike departs from the summit parking lot. The steep climb on the wide, paved trail departs from the side of the museum building.

The trail is only 0.15 miles, or 280 yards. It takes about 10 minutes to walk up the path to the raised observation deck.

At the summit, you’ll find a sign proclaiming this to be the highest point east of the Mississippi, the stone tomb of Elisha Mitchell, and a round observation platform.

Head up the ramp of the observation platform for 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see as far as 85 miles out, giving you views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and the Pisgah National Forest.

Because of the summit’s high altitude, the climate of Mount Mitchell State Park is about 20 degrees colder than that of Asheville. You can expect the mountain top to be chilly even during the summer and to be quite windy. Be sure to come prepared with a jacket and warm clothing. Beware of ice on the trails even into the spring.

Retrace your steps back down on the significantly easier descent from the summit. Your hike completes at about 0.3 miles.

Museum

Before you go, stop in at the small museum at the bottom of the trailhead. Here, you’ll learn about the mountain’s natural and cultural history. There is plenty of information about Elisha Mitchell and the discovery of this highest point as well as a comparison to the other tall peaks around the U.S.

More Things to Do in Asheville

• 4 Days in Asheville Itinerary: Asheville, North Carolina Guide
• Monet & Friends Alive Immersive Experience Review
• 4 Scenic Drive Photo Ops Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
• North Carolina Hikes: Craggy Pinnacle Trail
• One Day at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina

Cheers!

Paige

Have you hiked the Summit Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park? Let me know in the comments!