Mount Mitchell

Last Updated 23 Oct 2026

At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. It rises in North Carolina's Black Mountains, about 30 miles northeast of Asheville, as the highpoint of the Black Mountain Crest, a ridge with six other summits above 6,300 feet, including Mount Craig, the second-highest peak in the eastern U.S. The summit is protected by Mount Mitchell State Park, though several approach trails, such as the Mount Mitchell Trail, start down in the Pisgah National Forest. Summer brings wildflowers to the high meadows, and anglers fish for trout in the creeks below.

The mountain looked very different a century ago. In the early 1900s, timber companies including Brown Brothers, Carolina Spruce, Dickey and Campbell, and Perley and Crockett cut most of the forest from the Black Mountains and hauled the logs out by rail to the towns of Pensacola and Black Mountain. Two men led the push to protect what was left: John Silcox Holmes, who became state forester in 1909 and documented the damage, and Locke Craig, who was elected governor in 1913. On March 3, 1915, Craig signed the bill creating a park on Mount Mitchell, one of the first state or national parks in the Southeast.

Early visitors rode the logging railroad up from the town of Black Mountain. A toll road took its place in 1922, and in 1939 the Blue Ridge Parkway replaced the toll road between Buck Creek Gap and Black Mountain Gap.

Access Point

Navigate to QP8M+HQ Burnsville, North Carolina.

From the South

• Leave I-40 at exit 86 and follow NC SR-226 toward Marion and Shelby.
• Turn left onto the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• At milepost 355, turn north onto NC SR-128 into the park.
• Drive past the park office to the summit parking lot.

From the North

• Follow US-19E to Micaville, then turn south onto NC SR-80.
• Turn right onto the Blue Ridge Parkway, heading south.
• At milepost 355, turn north onto NC SR-128 and continue to the summit parking lot as above.

Recommended Route

The easiest way to reach the summit is to drive to the parking lot about 100 feet below the summit. From there, walk up the paved path to the top.

Take the Mount Mitchell Summit Trail.

Regulations

Visiting Mount Mitchell doesn't require a permit, but camping in the state park does, and the Black Mountain Campground charges a fee.

Lodging & Camping

You can camp in the state park year-round at its walk-in and backpacking sites. Rates change between summer and winter, so check the park's website before you go.

Down in the Pisgah National Forest, the Black Mountain Campground (50 Black Mountain Campground Road, Burnsville, NC 28714) is a popular first-come, first-served option. It charges a fee and is open from April 14 to November 1.

Black bears are common here, so store food and scented items securely.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Mount Mitchell?

The best time to visit Mount Mitchell is during the summer and fall. Summer offers blooming wildflowers, while fall provides stunning foliage.

Do I need a permit to hike Mount Mitchell?

No permit is needed to hike Mount Mitchell, but a permit is required for camping in Mount Mitchell State Park.

Is the trail to the summit difficult?

The trail from the parking lot to the summit is a short, paved path, making it accessible for most visitors.

Are there restroom facilities at Mount Mitchell State Park?

Yes, there are restrooms and a museum at the highpoint parking lot.

Is Mount Mitchell suitable for children and older adults?

Yes, the paved path from the parking lot to the summit suits visitors of all ages.