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Mount Mitchell State Park is in the Black Mountain range, which reaches higher than the Blue Ridge or
Smoky Mountains. At 6,684 feet, its dominant mountain Mount Mitchell is the
highest peak in the eastern United States. A cool climate, unique flora and
fauna and easy access from the
Blue Ridge Parkway make this a very popular vacation spot. Mount Mitchell State Park offers tent camping, six trails of
varying difficulty, nature study, picnic areas, Natural History Museum and
restaurant. The Park is 1,727 acres in size, and the summit of Mount Mitchell is
famous for its spectacular views. On a clear day it is possible to see for more
than 70 miles. The Natural History Museum located on the way to the Stone
Observation Tower at the summit has dioramas, exhibits and recordings that
present some of the unusual higher elevation plants and wildlife.
These high elevations give Mount Mitchell a cooler climate than the surrounding
lowlands, a climate more typical of the boreal forests that dominate Canada and
Alaska. Flora and fauna associated with the mountain’s ecosystem are atypical of
the southern Appalachians. Rare and uncommon plant and animal species live in
the spruce-fir forest that covers the summit. This spruce-fir forest is among
the rarest of forest environments in North Carolina, and one of the most
endangered.
The Park was created in 1916 by individuals concerned with the destruction of
virgin forests by logging, and the mountain was named for Dr. Elisha Mitchell,
the first person to take measurements of the Black Mountains, which include Mt.
Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell is buried on the summit of Mount Mitchell at the base of
the 42-foot tall observation tower.
Website:
Mount Mitchell State Park
Location: Northeast of
Asheville.
Distance: 1½ hours from Asheville
Address: Milepost 355 on the
Blue Ridge Parkway
Telephone: 828-675-4611, Park Office
Hours: November-February: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; March & October: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. ; April,
May and September: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; June-August: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; tent camping from
May 1 through October 31; park closed Christmas day.
Fees: None; campsites $8 per night
Allow: Minimum of two hours to hike to summit and see exhibits
Of Note: Parking and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible but pathways and picnic
shelters are not.
Mount Mitchell is the highest peak in the Eastern United States.
Tips: Restrooms available at campground but no showers or hot water. A
restaurant is located near the en-trance Ranger Station. Maps of the park’s
trails and further information can be obtained at the station. Mt. Mitchell is
visible from Asheville from the River Ridge Shopping Center and from I-240 and
I-40 in that part of town.
Directions: Take the Blue Ridge Parkway north from Asheville. The entrance to
the park is at Milepost 355.
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