Mount Mitchell State Park

At 6,684 feet in elevation, Mount Mitchell is not only the tallest mountain in North Carolina, but it’s the highest point in the United States east of the Mississippi River. It is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains within the Appalachian Mountain Range.

Only 30 miles from Asheville, Mount Mitchell is one of the most accessible mountain peaks in Western North Carolina with road access to a parking lot near the summit. 

Within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mount Mitchell is part of the Black Mountains named for the dark appearance of some of the tallest mountains within the Appalachians. The range is adorned with an evergreen forest of Fraser fir trees contributing to their dark color that makes for magical surroundings.

Pisgah National Forest surrounds Mount Mitchell State Park. The park is open 7 days a week year-round unless roads are closed due to winter weather.

Park hours are from 7 am until 9 pm. There is no fee to access the park, making it a great free attraction near Asheville!

The State Park is accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The park’s access road is located between Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts 355 and 356. To access the park, turn from the Blue Ridge Parkway onto Road 128.

You’ll pass an easy hike at Craggy Gardens on the way to Mount Mitchell from Asheville. It’s worth a stop if you have the time!

The drive from Asheville typically takes about an hour on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but plan for extra time if you want to stop at some of the spectacular overlooks along the way. Also, if you are prone to getting carsick, you may want to take Dramamine before embarking on your adventure.

There are three parking lots in the park. The first is at the park headquarters, the second is at the restaurant and the third is near the summit. 

If you are interested in a short hike or walk up to the summit you will want to park at the last parking lot. You can take the 0.25-mile paved path or the 0.7-mile Balsam Nature loop through the forest to the summit. 

For longer hikes, you will want to park in the first lot at the park headquarters (Old Mitchell Trail) or at the trailhead on South Toe River Road (outside the park) for the Mount Mitchell Trail. 

Observation Deck: The summit’s observation deck is the park’s highlight. From this vantage point, you can see for miles in every direction. It also makes for a great photo op in front of the sign that says “ highest peak East of the Mississippi River”

Museum and Gift Shop: The small museum near the summit gives an overview of the area and the history surrounding the mountain. Please note that as of summer 2023 it is a cash-only shop.

Concession Stand: There is a concession stand near the peak offering snacks and drinks.

Restrooms: Restrooms are available next to the concession stand

Picnic Area: A picnic area is available just below the last parking lot. It has a beautiful log cabin-style picnic shelter and picnic tables with breathtaking views. 

Campground: There is a tent campground available in the park with limited camping spots so make sure you reserve a spot online in advance.

Restaurant: The Mount Mitchell Restaurant is open (it reopened in 2024 after closing during Covid.)

With 40 miles of marked hiking trails, Mount Mitchell State Park has great hikes for beginners and experts. There are eight hiking trails with a range of difficulty and length. 

Be aware that not all of the trails begin in the state park. For example, the trailhead for the Mount Mitchell Trail is on South Toe River Road off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

If you’re not into hiking or short on time, you can drive to the parking lot near the peak and walk the 1/4 mile path to the observation deck. 

Below is a list of the trails found in the state park along with a park map and area map.

Mount Mitchell Hiking Trails List

Balsam Nature Trail

If you are looking for a nice dose of nature but don’t want to attempt anything too strenuous, we especially love the Balsam Nature Trail.

The Balsam Nature Trail is nicely shaded and is surrounded by beauty in every direction. There are informational signs along the way that detail the various tree types, common birds, and more.

The loop is great because it ends on the path up to the observation deck. We typically take the loop and then pop up to the peak before heading down the paved road to the restrooms and concession area.

Mount Mitchell Trail Maps