Mt Mitchell in
Tuscarora Beach (NC)

This is an easy and accessible location for a hike. There are various trail options available, should you prefer a shorter or longer excursion. It is also an ideal place to bring horses. Furthermore, it appears to be pet-friendly, given the number of dogs observed on the trail.

This is the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River at over 6,000 ft and it was an absolute joy to go there The views were beautiful the area is so well maintained and it's a beautiful drive to get there with several great overlooks on the way I highly highly recommend it to anybody who might want to take a trip on the parkway or have some fun!

What can we really say about Mount Mitchell? Its breaktaking. Magnificent. Incredible. One of the most beautiful and astonishing places we've ever been. Its accessible for everyone, from children to older folk & everything in between. The views are incredible. There is a little shop in the parking area(beautiful views there as well) I highly recommend this place for everyone!

Awesome short hike up to this point. We were there when the clouds were below us, simply breath taking; if you’re ever near Mt. Mitchell take the drive, do the walk; breathe the air and enjoy the view!

Beautiful mountain and really challenging but in the last couple of weeks the park wasn’t taken care of so there’s a lot of tree on the trail and many of the trails are not accessible

Great 360 degree views from the summit with a pretty easy and walkable path to the top from the parking lot. If you are a seasoned hiker you might enjoy parking further down at the restaurant parking lot and taking the 2 mile trail up to the top instead. Updated facilities that are kept clean, with restrooms at the trailhead for the summit path, along with a snack bar and a gift shop. Be sure to check before you head up for their hours because they aren't always open depending on the season. The gift shop was not taking cash when I was there, but I'm not sure if that is a permanent thing or if they were just between bank runs being all the way out in the middle of nowhere. It can get really crowded on the weekends or holidays and if you try to go up during the Fall when the leaves have changed just expect to spend several hours just getting up to the overlook. The Blueridge Parkway gets really backed up during the Fall due to the scenic views and people slowing down for photos because in all honesty there aren't a lot of places to pull off. Traffic can also be a problem at random since the speed limit is 25-40 mph and you might get stuck behind granny going 15 mph up the hill, a slow cyclist occupying the lane, or an 18-wheeler that shouldn't be on the road, and there is nowhere to safely pass due to them using mowing equipment or cyclists on the parkway. My experience, and why I've deducted one star, has always been that people go 10-15 mph below the speed limit so if you aren't patient, you may want to skip this one. Certainly something to check off the list and do at least once, just be patient, stop to go to the bathroom before you get on the Parkway, and take plenty of water and snacks.

Conquering the peak of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River, was an unforgettable experience. This natural wonder is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. While the summit itself is accessible to all, including those with disabilities, dogs are unfortunately not permitted on the summit trail. However, there are designated areas within the park where you can enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend. The journey to the summit begins at the parking lot, followed by a relatively short but steep quarter-mile paved hike to the observation deck. This accessible path offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Mount Mitchell holds significant geological importance as the remnant of a long-eroded mountain range. The summit offers a unique perspective on the Appalachian Mountains, allowing visitors to appreciate the vastness and beauty of the landscape. The visitor center at the summit provides informative exhibits about the mountain's history, ecology, and geology. Be sure to explore the facility to deepen your understanding of this natural marvel. Tips for your visit: - Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be steep in sections. - Pack layers of clothing, as the weather can change rapidly at high altitudes. - Bring plenty of water and snacks to fuel your hike. - Check the weather forecast before your visit, as visibility can be affected by fog or clouds. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a breathtaking outdoor adventure, Mount Mitchell is a destination that will leave you in awe.

The mount has stunning views but it would mostly be covered with clouds. So be careful. Also the final 300 yards hike is scary given many bears in the area. Be careful if you are alone there! (I was so it was little scary!!)

Had an amazing time driving up the mountain even if the blue ridge parkway was closed at the time. Really loved the view and scenery, highly underrated. If you are in the Asheville area this is a must go to.

Some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen! The pictures don’t do it justice. 360 degree view of all the surrounding mountain scapes. The views on the drive up are amazing as well. There are also many miles of trails from Mt. Mitchell’s peak that are available for hiking.

Great views! I rode my bike up from the dam. Then drove up the next day to hike around. It's worth the drive or ride! Highest peak east of the Mississippi!!

Went with my three kids (13, 9 & 5) and it was a great time. Trails are pretty easy and some wonderful views. Highly recommend a visit!! There was plenty of parking when we got there about 11am and when we left about 3pm.

Awesome awesome awesome place to go! We went twice, once with a beautiful view of the Vista and the second time, just pure white out thanks to a massive temperature drop. Loved tromping about in the balsam forest! Just a word of warning though the bathrooms were "closed for the season" but failed to specify when the season was ??‍♀️

Lived in North Carolina for 40 years and I've never took time to visit the tallest mountain on the east coast. Finally I took my sons for spring break in April 2024. I was shocked and amazed. It was really a great attraction and I would have enjoyed it more if the shops would have been open and most importantly, if the weather had been better. It was 32 degrees, snowing, and we were covered in clouds up top. But was entirely worth it. After this trip, I want to go back so bad. My kids love to hike and I know they would love the trails. What a beautiful forest too. It was breathtaking.

The drive alone is an experience worth going for, as long as you go during the week and no one is in front or behind you. The mountain to sea hiking trail starts right here. And needless to say, inspiring views.

Pictures are from 14th October 2023. The walk to the top was nice but it was completely cloudy at the top. It was so interesting to read the history of this summit. Definitely recommended stop if you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but I'd check the weather beforehand!

My wife and I hiked to the summit of mount Mitchell via Mount Mitchell trail head, which was approximately 12 miles round trip. This is a challenging hike and incredibly uprooted covered in boulders and rocks. Be prepared to have a quality pair of hiking boots and consider trekking poles for the hike down. The trekking poles are a life saver on your knees. There is plenty of bear activity throughout the trails and evidence is clear from paw prints to scratch marking on trees (as shown in some of my photos provided). Keep an eye out for the bears and consider carrying bear spray. The views from the top are absolutely gorgeous. This is the highest peak east of the Mississippi, get out and hike it if you haven’t already! Just be prepared to get a big workout in. 1 1/2 year update. Came back this past weekend to summit Mount Mitchell again. Forgot how brutal the trail is! Uprooted with plenty of small boulders and loose gravel throughout the trail. Going up wasn’t as bad as I remember, but going down was as brutal as it gets, especially after about 4 miles into the decent I was ready to be done. Knees and feet were crushed. Trekking poles are clutch for this hike. Don’t neglect your quadriceps and train plenty of loaded step ups in your resistance training for this one.

This is one of my all-time favorite spots to visit. Truly breath taking views. Little hint dress in layers because the weather changes quickly. If it's cloudy, just stay a while. Clouds move quickly at this elevation, and looking down in the tops of clouds is truly an experience to behold.

Very cool hike up the mountain and unfortunately I couldn’t see much at the top since it was pretty foggy. It was a very cool experience and I definitely would hike the Alice trail again soon.

My wife and I had a lot of fun visiting. Didn't feel any vortices while we were there. Took the balsam trail from the top to the parking lotand it was a fun little hike. The smells are amazing from the trees.

Hiked all the way from the bottom to the top and back down again. Took me and my gf approximately 6.5 hours. Challenging but well worth it. The views at the top are amazing and the scenery while hiking is beautiful! As far as advice to give...make sure you're in pretty good shape before attempting the full hike!

We went early April this year. It’s the first time we have been on a mountain high enough for it to be an Alpine forest. It was amazing to see the transition from hard woods to only pines. Unfortunately when we went the store wasn’t open. But there wasn’t many people there. We got fo enjoy it almost to ourselves. By the time we got to the overlook it was starting to rain so we didn’t see that far. But it was still pretty awesome and was not a waste of time. I had my 3 sons with me and they loved the experience so much. The drive is also a neat experience. Wish we would have enjoyed the nearby trails but the rain but a stop on that. Was definitely a must stop on the parkway. Just as a reminder if you come always check road closures on the parkway due to weather, maintenance and so forth.

A beautiful and easy trail to the summit with gorgeous views! The trail is paved and I saw people of all ages and fitness levels making the 300 yd trek. Park at the summit lot and take the trail to the left of the concessions/restrooms. Our view was hazy due to the Canadian fires (2023), but we could still see several layers of mountains.

From the parking lot, it’s an easy uphill walk to the overlook with 360° view. Gorgeous in any weather! If you want a moderate hike - take the ridge trail to Mt Craig! There were no bathrooms at the top, so make sure to stop at the ranger station if needed.

If you have a bit of time, and are in the area this is a beautiful place to explore, the road leading up is also beautiful albeit, not for the faint of heart, I was driving and I got a little car sick ? If you ever played Need for speed, think of the hairpin turns and instead of those being just in one part of the road that's all the road is. All the way to the top. But the little trails and hikes around and at the top are gorgeous.

Another gem on the blue ridge parkway is Mount Mitchell State Park. You can drive to the summit parking and walk just mere 300 yards to get stunning 360 degree panoramic views of surrounding mountains and valleys. There are few trails at the summit too, but please be mindful of high crosswinds.

One of my favorite NC state parks, everything from the hike to the drive up the mountain, the views are stunning. The highest point on this side of the Mississippi, it's best viewed when the skies are clear. Take note that on the summit the weather can be as cold as 20 degrees cooler than the base. Overall great trails, the gift shop has a lot of interesting items, and parking is hassle free.