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Summit Mount Mitchell via the Old Mitchell Trail

Burnsville, North Carolina

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

4.5 miles

Elevation Gain

484 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brett Kelly

Summit the tallest peak (6684') on the eastern side of the Mississippi River while hiking through a southern Appalachian alpine forest!

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!  

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Features

Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife
ADA Accessible

Reviews

Great hike with I’m sure what would have been a great view if a snow storm hadn’t come through. But even so, still saw amazing views of the mountain. Just be sure to use the same trail up and down so you don’t have to Summit twice. The rangers at the Mt Mitchell Visitors Center are awesome!

My wife and I, and three of our kids (10, 7, and 4) summited Mount Mitchell via Old Mitchell Trail. To be honest, it was probably a little much for the youngest, still safe though. We all really enjoyed the strenuous, yet doable, hike, which traversed some vibrantly green and fragrant spruce-fir forest and ended at the highest point east of the Mississippi. We even stopped at the restaurant and gift shop on the way back as a reward.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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