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Burnsville
Things to Do in Burnsville
Mount Mitchell State Park
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Mount Mitchell State Park

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See all things to do
Mount Mitchell State Park
4.5
795 reviews
#1 of 12 things to do in Burnsville
State Parks • Mountains
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About
The highest mountain in the Black Mountain Range.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Mount Mitchell State Park and nearby attractions

Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
795 reviews
Excellent
616
Very good
163
Average
11
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Joyce19561111
Cockeysville107 contributions
Must Do
May 2023
Observation area is a must see, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway about one hour from Blue Ridge Visitors Center Asheville. Nice museum explains topography terms, differences between peaks, spurs, ridge, valleys, coves, saddle and gap. Cash only sales in museum shop, no checks, or cards.
Written May 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ward D
Satellite Beach, FL2,655 contributions
Come see the highest peak east of the Mississippi
Oct 2022
This is one of the stops off the north side of the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you are traveling the parkway this should be one of your stops along the way for several reasons. 1) It is the highest point east of the Mississippi. 2) You can drive most of the way to the peak. 3) There is a good amount of parking near the top. 4) The walkway, though a little steep at the beginning, is smoother than many other trails. And 5) Mostly, the view from the top is very nice and had an inset in the platform. The drive is a north turn off the parkway onto 128. Follow that road for about 4 miles, all the way to a large parking lot that would fit about 100 cars. There are several buildings on the west side of the lot. The trailhead is at the southern end of the lot and ascends fairly gradually with a good surface to the path. There are informational signs about Elisha Mitchell, a scientist who died in an attempt to prove that the site was the highest peak. His grave is at the summit. There is a panoramic view from the top pedestal as well as concrete benches, informational signs, and a compass rose set into the concrete with the shape state set in the middle. Overall, it is a must-see if you traveling this way. Enjoy!
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susanwinetasting
Putnam, CT709 contributions
You Can See Forever in Every Direction
Sep 2022
If you drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, NC, take the time to explore this mountain, the highest peak in the east. There is an auto road to drive to the summit and there is no charge since it is a state park. The road is well maintained and easy to navigate. There are a number of spots to stop along the way and take in the views. There is a restaurant mid-way up the auto road, which was closed when we were there. At the top parking level are portable toilets, a snack bar, gift shop and museum. There is a walkway leading to a lookout platform at the summit. As someone who relies on a rollator, the incline was too steep and I turned back. My husband took some amazing photos. We aware that it is very windy on top of the mountain and winter jackets and gloves are recommended even in summer. Take time to explore the museum. We found it interesting that there was an abundance of wildlife and trees at the summit, unlike the mountains of New England.
Written December 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darlene T
Sunset Beach, NC402 contributions
Beautiful Area and Views - A must do!
Aug 2022
Would highly recommend driving to Mount Mitchel State Park and climb to the the top it is only 300yd but it is steep, but well worth it. We drove the Blue Ridge Parkway, did a few stops along the way until we turned off to get to Mt. Mitchell..It is a beautiful drive and stunning views...Would recommend early in the morning, it does get crowded later in the day. Beautiful mountain and park!
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa S
Hummelstown, PA9,879 contributions
Old Mitchell Hiking Trail
Sep 2020 • Couples
I can’t locate a specific review area for the trail so I’ll include both my visits on one review. In early August we drove to the top of Mt Mitchell and walked to the observation deck. It’s a little bit tiring if you live in a flat area like I do but totally worth the walk up. Lots of surface parking and clean flush toilets. We also visited the gift shop that day and they had just opened and clothing options were quite limited due to the late, short season. We found on our second visit that they are not open every day.

In early September we hiked from the bottom, although not beginning on Commissary Trail as it was closed due to bear activity. We first parked at the visitor center where at least the bathrooms were open for use. Then we moved onto the restaurant to begin the hike on Old Mitchell Trail up to the summit. It’s was noted as moderate in our guidebook but on their sign it’s noted as strenuous and I can tell you they are right!

I am 5’ and don’t like the bother of carrying a hiking stick. 9 times out of ten it’s a nuisance to me rather than a help. My husband always takes a hiking stick. This particular hike I needed to use his stick! Lots of roots and big boulders to step over. Even the platform and stairs were high and set far apart! Be aware that there is a huge boulder that requires you to use a rope to get down and then of course back up. It was very muddy and wet the day we hiked. The elevation during the hike is not bad. I always take a photo of the map before we set out. Not always as clearly marked as you would hope especially with intersecting trails.

I’ve done it once and will not repeat it. After reaching the summit and before hiking back down, we did the Balsam Nature Trail which is mostly canopied and an easy walk. I fell twice on the Old Mitchell trail and have a nasty bruise due to the rocks I slid on, still with me 12 days later. With the leaves falling and the terrain having a better chance of being wet now, I highly recommend you wear hiking boots and long pants. Both saved me from a more serious injury.

Another recommendation is to have bear spray as there’s simply nowhere to go should you encounter one on this trail. With the closed lower trail, there is a real chance. Please do not have it in your backpack but at the ready to use.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex K
Bristol, CT58 contributions
Very well marked hiking trail.
May 2022
I visited Mount Mitchell State Park to hike Mount Mitchell itself, and the Mount Mitchell Trail was outstanding. I have gone on a number of hikes over the last decade, and this is the best marked trail I have been on. At least in the spring, the trail itself is clearly visible the entire way. Additionally, there are blue blaze marks throughout, most importantly when you hit open clearings and come across false paths; the signage is excellent when there are trail intersections; and there are wooden posts to mark every instance in which you hit a half-mile. I always recommend bringing a trail map when going on a hike, but it would be very hard to get lost on this trail.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
toothfairy0904
Chicago, Illinois324 contributions
Gorgeous fall color!
Oct 2020 • Family
It’s worth the long scenic drive with gorgeous fall color to reach the lookout point. They have restrooms available by the parking lot. The hike does have a steep incline, but it’s doable and worth it. There were people of all ages, athletic nature, and others with physical ailments still making the trek. We were able to do it safely with a stroller. The observation deck was VERY crowded for a random week day. People were not social distancing. I don’t usually wear a mask when walking outside, but I defInitely wore my mask with the clusters of people on the deck. It’s beautiful views though to be at the highest peak East of Mississippi River. It’s not super “wowsa” or “amazing,” but it’s pretty. Nice that it’s a scenic journey and totally free. Would recommend the trek to enjoy fall color even if you have a kiddo in a stroller.
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TYPSUKR
Arlington, VA758 contributions
Highest Point in America (East of the Mississippi)
Apr 2022
We came here in the afternoon in late April to ascend the highest peak in the USA, east of the Mississippi River. Access to the state park is free, and immediately access from the Blue Ridge Parkway. After taking a steep and somewhat windy, but well-maintained, road to the summit, we parked our car, and did the 10-minute walk (steep, but paved trail) to the absolute summit, which includes an observation platform. There are great views, if a bit repetitive (mountains in every direction), and also a rare Spruce-Fir tree ecosystem at the higher elevation. Gift shop and visitor center was closed for season/renovations when we were there.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CenFLGuy
Saint Cloud, FL320 contributions
You must visit this high point
Jun 2021 • Solo
I visited North Carolina’s highest point recently. The visitors center has a gift shop plus a museum showing the history of Mount Mitchell which I enjoyed. Unfortunately, clouds totally covered my view from the observation deck. I’ll definitely be back hopefully on a clear day.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vlmky
Louisville, KY67 contributions
Sweaty palms
Oct 2020
The view from the top is incredible and definitely worth the drive and walk. The road was so steep, I got sweaty palms and pulled off at the park office to calm down. Mostly I was concerned how it would be coming down but that part was fine. So glad I kept going to the top. The Balsam Nature Trail just off of the summit trail is very nice. An easy opportunity to enjoy the woods - great smells, rocks, and story boards to educate
Written October 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Mount Mitchell State Park (Burnsville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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