Take An Unforgettable Drive To The Top Of North Carolina’s Highest Mountain

The highest point in the East was, at one point, debatable. That is, until Elisha Mitchell died in 1857 proving the summit of Mount Mitchell (the name is no coincidence) was the highest peak east of the Mississippi. It's now a state park where scores of visitors can take in the 360-degree, breathtaking views from the very spot where Mitchell is now laid to rest.

Getting to that summit is an adventure most visitors aren't expecting.

That's partly because the only way up to the top of Mount Mitchell is on NC-128 — and the ONLY way to NC-128 is via the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Once you turn off the Blue Ridge Parkway, it's another several miles straight uphill to reach the parking at the summit. Ideally, you want to time your visit to avoid any early morning fog... but as many soon learn, the fog at this elevation can happen any time of day!

On a clear day, you can see tens, maybe even hundreds, of miles.

Once you reach the parking lot at the summit, the work has just begun. You'll find a tidy little sign outside the visitor center advising that the summit is 300 yards ahead. It's all uphill, but that won't matter once you get distracted by the view!

Keep on going... you're almost there.

And... congratulations! You're standing on the highest point east of the Mississippi — and it's right here in North Carolina.

Mount Mitchell State Park is located at 2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714. Park admission is free. It's open year round, but the hours vary by season: November - February: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., March - April: - 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., September - October: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., May - August: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (The park is closed Christmas Day.) Learn more on the official website of North Carolina State Parks.