North Carolina: Mt. Mitchell

6,720 ft (2,048 m)

No mountain rises higher in the eastern United States than Mount Mitchell, which tops out at 6,684 feet (2,037 meters). Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina’s Mount Mitchell State Park, this summit is part of the Black Mountains—a rugged Appalachian subrange known for its steep climbs and dense spruce-fir forests. Despite its height, Mitchell is surprisingly accessible: most visitors reach the summit via short, paved trail from a nearby parking area. But for those looking to hike their way up, the Mount Mitchell Trail climbs more than 3,600 feet from the valley floor, while the Black Mountain Crest Trail offers a longer, scenic ridge route. At the top, an observation deck provides sweeping views of the surrounding ridges, often wrapped in mist or chilled by alpine air. For highpointers, Mount Mitchell is a standout—an easy walk to a sky-high reward, or a tough climb for those who prefer to earn every foot.

More to come…

In the meantime, this trip report follows the Mt. Mitchell Trail to the top.