This look is still evident today despite the massive amount of loggin… The trail begins at the Black Mountain Campground (operated by the U.S. Forest Service) and ends at the summit. Louis O. Great trail, loved the variety. Camp Alice to Mount Mitchell Summit Trail, Old Mitchell, Camp Alice and Commissary Trail, Commissary Hill via Mount Mitchell Trail and Higgins Bald Loop, Big Tom Gap Spur Trail via Black Mountain Crest Trail, Mount Mitchell to Blue Ridge Parkway to South Toe River Road, Mount Mitchell Trail to South Toe River Road Loop, Mount Mitchell from Black Mountain Campground via Higgins Bald. You won't find many decent views of the surrounding mountains or the valley below.The Higgins Bald Trail has a waterfall but it is only decent after a heavy rainfall. The facility provides hot showers and restrooms with flush toilets. Will climb it again next winter as its a great workout. Your reward is the incredible 360° view from the Mt. It’s about the journey and not the destination right?! If you are not a guest at the campground, park at the small lot across the river, outside of the campground. Mount Mitchell is challenging hike to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River in the Black Mountain range. North Carolina's highest mountain range, and indeed the highest east of the Mississippi, is a J-Shaped ridge northwest of the Asheville area known as the Black Mountains. Mount Mitchell Trail (5.6 Miles) Starting from the Black Mountain Campground, this strenuous trail climbs 3600 feet in 5.5 miles to reach the summit of Mt. Take snacks and plenty of water. Trail is well marked with Blue Diamonds. Upon reaching the top of the Mt. Mitchell. It rained part of the trip but it was refreshing not annoying. The road from Marion is not recommended for long trailers or the faint of heart. Bag this peak on a pleasant 13.1-mile out-and-back hike in the Pisgah National Forest and Mount Mitchell State Park and you'll score great views of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains from the summit tower. This is a strenuous 10+ miles out & back hike with about 3,500 ft. in elevation gain. Mitchell Trail #190, bear left onto the Mt. Elevation:6,684 ft Location:Mount Mitchell State Park, Yancey County, NC Notable Features:Highest US peak east of the Mississippi River Observation deck, museum, and giftshop at summit accessible by foot (hiking) or car (via Blue Ridge Parkway) Park Hours: Open everyday at 7:00am except Christmas Day. Climbs 3,600 ft. in 5.5 miles. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is the way up, and it is well marked by blue and white blazes. If you see my yak tracks on the trail... I’m not coming back for them so please use them courtesy of me :). I have now covered the Mountains to Sea Trail from Elkin to Mount Mitchell. This is day 2 of our overnight hike from Buck Creek Gap to Mount Mitchell. I hiked all the way up to find continuous cloud cover with no visibility. While a road leads directly to a parking lot minutes from the summit, the best way to enjoy this mountain is by earning the view. Topping out at an elevation of 6,684 ft. on Mt. At mile 4.0 there is a large grassy field available for tent camping. We really enjoyed the views. It is linked to Clingmans Dome, the third highest peak in the US east of the Mississippi at 6,643', via the Blue Ridge Parkway National Scenic Drive. Fortunately all of the rain I had driven trough on the 3-hour drive from Concord NC was now over. Mount Mitchell Hike Starting at the Black Mountain Campground on the Toe River, this hike gains 3600 ft in elevation over 5 1/2 miles to reach the summit of the East's highest peak, making it one of the toughest continuous climbs in the region, near the limit of what most people will want to tackle in a day hike. It’s about nourishment and learning. For most of the hike, you are on an exposed, narrow ridge above the clouds. The Higgins Bald and Mountain-to-Sea trails eventually meet again at 4,800 feet. Bag this peak on a pleasant 13.1-mile out-and-back hike in the Pisgah National Forest and Mount Mitchell State Park and you'll score great views of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains from the summit tower. Mitchell without starting up on the ridge & this was a very satisfying & fulfilling climb. Mitchell was socked in (which is the case a majority of the year), but it was exciting to see the look-out tower & explore the museum & gift shop. The hike starts from the somewhat remote Black Mountain Campground. One of those places that stand apart from the ordinary, Mount Mitchell’s dramatic summit is the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet and was the inspiration for one of the nation’s first state parks. Cell signal 2.6 miles down a gravel road. 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