With minimal effort, travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway can climb the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River. Mount Mitchell towers at an elevation of 6,684 feet and commands a sweeping view of mountain ranges rolling like waves toward the horizon.
The only motorized access to Mount Mitchell is from Blue Ridge Parkway, near milepost 355. The entrance to Mount Mitchell State Park is 2.4 miles north on NC 128. Some visitors hike to the top. But most of them drive to the summit parking lot and walk the remaining 980 feet on a wide, paved path bordered by red spruce and Fraser fir trees.
Vistas
The panorama from the observation deck creates the sensation of being on top of the world. Among the key sights are Big Tom, Mount Craig and the Black Mountains. An extensive Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest covers the mountain slopes. Because of the elevation, other plant species commonly found in more northern climes also grow here.
Legend and Lore
Exhibits in the park's little museum enrich the mountaintop experience with information about the local flora and fauna - plus fascinating stories about a mountain man named Big Tom. He and his wife Niagara raised 11 children in these mountains. Big Tom gained enough fame - probably from shooting some 114 black bears in his lifetime - to have a peak named after him.
The summit also has a restaurant, gift shop and restrooms. Those who want to explore Mount Mitchell for a couple of days can opt to tent camp or stay at the nearby inn. Hiking trails connect to Pisgah National Forest. RV camping is not available in the state park.
If you go:
Mount Mitchell is located off Milepost 355 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
For more information: Visit Mount Mitchell State Park.
Location on Blue Ridge Parkway Map
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