Mount Mitchell is the highest point in the United States east of the Mississippi River. At 6,684 feet, there are breathtaking views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains from the summit.
Mount Mitchell State Park was North Carolina’s first state park, established in 1915. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the park hugs the Pisgah National Forest and shares some of its trails. Hikes range from moderate trails through the Fraser fir forest to challenging trails on the ridge line and the long-distance Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
On my visit, I explored three trails – the Summit Trail to an observation deck, the Balsam Nature Trail, and part of the Deep Gap Trail.
Mount Mitchell Summit
From the entrance, visitors can drive almost to the summit. The moderate 280-yard Summit Trail from the parking lot is short but steep. This paved path leads to an observation deck with 360-degree views. There are several benches along the way for those that need or want to pause and relax.
Mount Mitchell is part of the Black Mountain range in western North Carolina. Information boards along the deck provide maps identifying the visible peaks.
The mountain is named for Elisha Mitchell who measured elevations for the Black Mountains in the 1830s. Unfortunately, a return trip in 1857 proved fatal and he is laid to rest at the summit.
Access to the Old Mitchell and Balsam Nature Trails is also available from the Summit Trail.
Balsam Nature Trail
From the Summit Trail, I turned off on the Balsam Nature loop. This 0.75-mile hike travels through a spruce-fir forest. Spruce-fir forests, filled with red spruce and Fraser fir trees, only exist at elevations above 5,500 feet.
Severe weather, slow growth rates, air pollution, shallow soil, and proximity to the tree line contribute to dead and stunted trees in the area. These dead trees act as nesting cavities as well as food sources for animals and mushrooms like red-gill webcaps.
Other than the dying trees, the forest felt very green due to all the ferns, lichen, and moss!
Part of the trail shares a path with the Mount Mitchell Trail before it turns to loop back. Balsam Nature Trail has white triangle blazes. I would rate it as a moderate trail due to dozens of steps, boulders, and roots to maneuver over.
Information signs along the trail provide details about the plants, animals, and geology of the area.
Ultimately, the trail ends on the east side of the summit parking lot.
The park’s TRACK Trail combines the Balsam Nature and Summit Trails. TRACK trails are designed for kids and families as part of the Kids in Parks program.
Deep Gap Trail/Black Mountain Crest Trail
Although the Black Mountain range contains six of the ten highest peaks in the Southern Sixers, the crest is only 15 miles long. From Mount Mitchell, hikers can travel this ridge line for 11 miles.
I started at the Deep Gap trailhead from the lower summit parking area. This hike is part of the Black Mountain Crest Trail (#179). It is a strenuous trail with some areas that are more moderate. Park maps list the 1-mile section to Mount Craig as moderate, but I would call it a grueling moderate and would not recommend it for anyone who is not physically fit and used to harder paths.
This route has sections of level ground surrounded by stairways and large rock outcroppings you must climb up and over. Near the beginning, there is a series of over 200 steps close together. Orange triangles mark the way.
I loved the views of the surrounding mountains and valley! While large portions of the trail wander through the forest, there are multiple openings to show off spectacular sights.
Several types of wildflowers (pink turtlehead, bigleaf aster, touch-me-not balsam, and filmy angelica in particular) were in bloom in August as well, gifting pops of color amongst the green terrain.
Mount Craig
One mile into the hike, Mount Craig was my first big vista. At 6,647 feet, it is the second highest peak in the eastern U.S.
It was named after North Carolina governor Locke Craig who was largely responsible for establishing Mount Mitchell State Park.
Mount Craig is where I planned to stop but the plaque for it was on a boulder to the right of the path rather than on the outcroppings, so I missed it the first time and kept hiking.
You will know you are close to the summit when the trail changes to rock outcroppings with log boundaries.
Big Tom
I made it to the next peak – Big Tom – which was 0.4 miles farther on the trail. At 6,580 feet, Big Tom was named after Tom Wilson, a local hunter and mountain guide. Tom found Elisha Mitchell’s body in July 1857.
From there, I turned back toward the trailhead.
With all the angled rocks to scramble up and down, wet conditions or muddy shoes make for easy slips so watch your step.
Mount Mitchell State Park offers geology, nature, activities, and stunning views! I highly recommend it even if you only have a short while to visit while exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I would love to hike this next time you are headed to this stunning mountain climb! Photography is beautiful StephPurk.com