To visit Mount Mitchell State Park is to experience what it might feel like to stand at the top of the world. It’s the highest point east of the Mississippi River, but it’s also shrouded in natural beauty, stately evergreens, and a magical allure that you can only find in North Carolina. Plus, getting there means taking one of the most scenic routes in America: the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here’s more on why a day trip to Mount Mitchell State Park in North Carolina is one of the very best you can take.

A trip to Mount Mitchell State Park is one that belongs on every North Carolinian's bucket list. For one, it's the oldest of North Carolina's state parks and was established in 1915 by the state legislature.
MargaretW / Getty Images
The park can be found just 35 miles northeast of Asheville, and many visitors opt to take the scenic route via the Blue Ridge Parkway.
MargaretW / Getty Images
What sets Mount Mitchell apart from other North Carolina peaks is its size — it's the grandest peak in all of Appalachia at 6,684 feet — and its accessibility. There's a 1/4 mile paved and accessible trail that leads to an observation deck.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr
The paved trail is ADA wheelchair accessible but visitors should note that it's uphill.
From this viewpoint, visitors will enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding Black Mountains. It's important to note that on eight out of ten days, the summit is covered in fog due to high elevation.
katie wheeler / flickr
If you'd like to hike, there are plenty of trails within the park's 5,000 acres. A great introduction hike is the Balsam Nature Trail, a 0.9-mile trek that offers fascinating information about the area.
Beth C., Contributed Photo
The trail is fairly easy to walk, with some roots and stairs to navigate.
Beth C., Contributed Photo
I've taken this trail twice and each time, I absolutely loved the fragrance of the Balsam and Fraser firs. No matter the time of year, this trail smells like Christmas!
At such high altitudes, the plants and animals are similar to what you'd find in the alpine environments of Canada. How fascinating is that?
Beth C., Contributed Photo
Of course, there are plenty of other trails to enjoy. Check out the full list of hikes in Mount Mitchell State Park.
Beth C., Contributed Photo
So whether you visit for just an hour or decide to spend an entire day in the park, you'll feel enriched by your visit on every level.
Beth C., Contributed Photo
Check out what makes this mountain so breathtaking when you watch the brief drone footage below:

After you’ve finished exploring the park, be sure to enjoy a packed lunch at one of the park’s picnic shelters. With views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this picnic area is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen!

Have you visited Mount Mitchell State Park before? If so, tell us all about your adventures in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to consult the official Mount Mitchell State Park website before your visit to check on weather conditions. The temperature on Mount Mitchell can sometimes be up to 20 degrees colder than what you’d experience in nearby towns. You might want to pack a warm jacket!

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state parks in North Carolina

Beth C. | September 14, 2023

What are some of the best state parks to visit in North Carolina?

North Carolina is absolutely stunning, and for proof of this, look no further than the wonderful state parks system. Below you'll find a list of the best state parks to visit in North Carolina:

  • Mount Mitchell State Park
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park
  • Elk Knob State Park
  • Hanging Rock State Park
  • Chimney Rock State Park
  • Hammocks Beach State Park
  • William B. Umstead State Park
  • Pilot Mountain State Park
  • Stone Mountain State Park
  • Lake Norman State Park
  • Fort Macon State Park
  • Dismal Swamp State Park
  • Jordan Lake State Park
  • South Mountains State Park
  • Lake Waccamaw State Park

 

Planning a trip to any of these magical places? Learn more about what makes each park so unique when you check out our full list of the best state parks in North Carolina.

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Featured Addresses
Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA