Editing Mount Mitchell Trail

{{Trail
|Banner Image=
|Trail Highlight=
|Park=Mount Mitchell State Park
|Trail Marking=Yellow Circle
|Trail Use=Hiking
|Difficulty Rating=Easy
|Hike Time=1 hr
|Trail Distance=2.23 mi
|Round Trip Distance=2.23
|Trail Type=Loop
|High Point=1,607 ft
|Low Point=1,325 ft
|Elevation Gain=338 ft
|Elevation Loss=338 ft
|Elevation Change Direction=Counter Clockwise
|Parking location=35.766700, -82.265021
|Trailhead location=35.765227, -82.264808
}}
{{Trail Map}}

__TOC__

== Trail Overview ==
While anyone can reach the top of Mt. Mitchell (the highest peak in eastern USA) by driving to the park, a real adventure awaits those who climb 3,670 ft up the eastern face of the mountain.  Counts for bagging Mt. Mitchell as a [http://tehcc.org/hiking/challenges/south-beyond-6000/ South Beyond 6000] (SB6K) peak.  Also in Section 9 of the [[Mountains-to-Sea Trail]].

== How to get there ==
<!-- Please enter detailed instruction on how to find the trail head. -->
From Johnson City, TN to the southern trailhead:
#Take I-26 south to NC Exit 9.
#Take US-19E east for 21 miles to Micaville.
#Take NC-80 south for 12 miles.
#Turn right/NW onto Toe River Road.
#After ~3 miles, find Black Mountain Campground.

A shuttle will take an hour to set up, if you just want to hike up:
#Head SW on Toe River Road for 5 miles.
#Turn right/SW onto Blue Ridge Parkway and travel just over 3 miles.
#Turn right/NW onto NC-128 for 5 miles.
#Return to trailhead.  

== Route Description==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
Starting the Black Mountain campground, USFS Trail 190 with blue hexagon blazes starts as a series of switchback up into the virgin forest.  After a couple of miles, Mountain-to-Sea Trail splits off to left as USFS Trail 190A with white circle blazes.  The two trails remerge roughly after a mile.  Continuing up, Commissary Ridge is reached after four miles.  Near the top, Balsam Trail with white triangle blazes splits off to right towards the parking lot.  Trail ends at the observation tower on Mt. Mitchell.  Return by same route (or take the split onto MST leg).

== Typical Conditions ==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
Well worn hard packed trail.  Not recommend for winter or after hard rain as the path can be quite slippery.

Remember to take clothing layers as it can be warm at the foot, but much cooler at the top.

==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
No fees or permits required.  No bikes, ATV, or horses allowed on this trail.

== After the Hike ==
<!-- Other things to check out while you're in the area. Restaurants, attractions, monuments, etc... -->
At the lower trailhead, Black Mountain Campground has 43 campsites for $19/day.  Open April 14, 2011 - October 31, 2011, with 2012 season to be similar mid-April to end of October.  Check in/out time is 2PM. Drinking water, flush toilets, and showers available. See Forest Service website for information and reservations at [https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273780 Black Mountain Campground]

== Misc. Information ==
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Does this trail require any permits for overnight? parking? -->
[http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/main.php Mt. Mitchell State Park] is open:
<br>Nov-Feb 8AM to 6PM
<br>Mar-Apr 8AM to 8PM
<br>May-Aug 8AM to 9PM
<br>Sep-Oct 8AM to 8PM

== Maps ==
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
[http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/pics/parkmap.pdf Mt. Mitchel State Park map]

<display_map center="35.758,-82.244"  type="terrain" zoom="14" width="auto" height="550" gkml="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/Mount_Mitchell_Trail.kml">

35.764982, -82.265196~Mt. Mitchell (6684 feet)~ ~MarkerG.png
35.751748, -82.221637~Black Mountain Campground~ ~MarkerA.png
</display_map>

== Photos ==
<gallery>
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below.  Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->

<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
</gallery>

<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. Keep in mind categories are case sensitive. -->
[[Category:North Carolina]] [[Category:Hard]] [[Category:Overlook]]