Mount Mitchell Trail: Difference between revisions
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| Longitude = -82.264771 | | Longitude = -82.264771 | ||
| Medical = Marion | | Medical = Marion | ||
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| Comment = Create Black Mountain Campground page? (I think that would be best in a new page type) | |||
| Date reviewed = 10/31/2015 | |||
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== Trail Overview == | == Trail Overview == | ||
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Revision as of 08:49, 31 October 2015
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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 South Beyond 6000 (SB6K) peak. Also in Section 9 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
How to get there
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
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
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.
No fees or permits required. No bikes, ATV, or horses allowed on this trail.
After the Hike
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. FS website
Misc. Information
Mt. Mitchell State Park is open:
Nov-Feb 8AM to 6PM
Mar-Apr 8AM to 8PM
May-Aug 8AM to 9PM
Sep-Oct 8AM to 8PM