Summit Mount Mitchell via the Old Mitchell Trail

After arriving in the park off of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, park at the first parking lot you encounter on the righthand side of the road. There is a visitor's center there where you can inquire about the park and pick up a park map. Once you do that walk outside and look to the left of the visitor's center and you will see a sign with yellow circular blazes which is the Old Mitchell Trailhead. 

Travel along this trail for 2.2 miles through spruce-fir forest with occasional views of the the mountain chains off in the distance. Be wary of slick rocks as this tends to be a damp trail and heavy fog is common. The first (and short) climb takes you over Mt. Hallback (6300') where you will cross through a very small grassy bald at the top. You will then walk past the Mt. Mitchell Restaurant, cross the parking lot, and resume your hike. 

This will begin the last climb to the summit. With 384' left to go, you will trudge along a densely wooded rocky trail. The terrain in some cases can be strenuous, but once you make it to the top, there is a nice viewing platform where you can look out over your accomplishment. Not to mention you are on top of the East Coast at 6684 feet!