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- Mount Mitchell
6,684 ft · Black Mountains, North Carolina
Mount Mitchell
Mount Mitchell is a 6,684 ft peak in the Black Mountains, North Carolina. The standard route is the Mount Mitchell Trail: 11 mi, 3,690 ft of gain, Class 1.
Mount Mitchell at a glance
- Elevation6,684 ft2,037 m
- RouteMount Mitchell TrailClass 1
- Distance11 mi3,690 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonMay – Oct
- RangeBlack MountainsNorth Carolina
Climbing the Mount Mitchell Trail
From Asheville, North Carolina, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north to Route 128 and drive into Mount Mitchell State Park. A short paved path from the parking area leads to the observation tower at the summit. The summit has a cool, wet microclimate that supports a Canadian-zone forest unusual at this latitude. Various trail options from lower in the park provide longer hikes. Summit facilities and restaurant are seasonal. Popular destination that can be crowded on weekends. The highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Nice views when fog clears.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Sun Hat
Buff
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Light Gloves
What to watch for
- Storms
- High winds
- Low visibility
- Slippery terrain
- Cold summit conditions
- Rapid weather shifts
Mount Mitchell on Yak
Climbers have shared 11 climbs of Mount Mitchell on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Mitchell
50 State Highpoints
Lower 48 Ultras
South Beyond 6,000Peaks near Mount Mitchell
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Mitchell?
Mount Mitchell is 6,684 feet (2,037 m) tall. It is in the Black Mountains, North Carolina.
Is Mount Mitchell the highest point in North Carolina?
Yes. At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest point in North Carolina.
How hard is it to hike Mount Mitchell?
The Mount Mitchell Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 3,690 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Mitchell?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Mount Mitchell Trail, covering 11 miles with 3,690 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Mitchell?
The Mount Mitchell Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 3,690 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Mount Mitchell?
The usual hiking window is May to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Mitchell?
The Mount Mitchell Trail starts at about 3,000 feet, roughly 3,684 feet below the summit.
Climb Mount Mitchell with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list