Only a short drive from Asheville waits a mammoth of a mountain. Mount Mitchell, aka Attakulla, is the tallest peak in Appalachia at 6,684 feet.
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Surrounding its peak is the Mount Mitchell State Park and Pisgah National Forest. Both are part of UNESCO’s Southern Appalachian International Biosphere Reserve as world heritage sites. Ain’t that fancy?
Despite the fact that South Carolina tends to steal North Carolina’s thunder in terms of summer vacation destinations, Mount Mitchell is a staple for fans of camping and hiking. Think: fields of wildflowers, spruce trees, and blackberries ripe for the picking.
Sounds like an American dream to me. Best of all, it’s only 35 miles from downtown Asheville. Let’s explore how you can experience this beautiful mountain and its surrounding parks this summer.
Enter Attakulla
You can visit Mount Mitchell at any time of the year. A paved road leads straight to its summit, letting you enjoy the view regardless of the season. But this summit truly comes alive once spring arrives.
The summit includes restroom facilities, a small shop, and a museum. At the museum, you can learn about local topography and local Cherokee culture (where the name ‘Attakulla’ comes from).
Most people also hang around enjoying the benches and general view. It’s a popular spot for picnics, as well. Groups are able to lounge, eat, and gear up for a hike. Several trails leave from the summit area.
Hiking trails at Mount Mitchell
A handful of hiking trails carve through Mount Mitchell. As mentioned above, several trails are accessible from the summit parking area.
The first, the Summit Trail Hike, leads to an observation deck at the mountain’s true peak. The trail is easy to follow, though it is steep. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be able to see a full 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. (And Asheville!)
If you want to get closer to nature from the summit area, you can take the short Balsam Nature Trail (loop, .75 miles). Many hikers enjoy the earthy musk of the fir trees that grow densely in this area. The trail is considered moderate, but thanks to mature tree cover, you’ll feel entirely immersed in the forest.
If you’re in search of a challenge, take the Deep Gap Trail (one-way, 11.3 miles). This leads down Mount Mitchell from the summit area, into a deep valley, and up the adjoining mountain (Mount Craig, 6,647 feet). It’s considered the most difficult trail available, as hikers must descend and climb on steep terrain.
If you want to hike up Mount Mitchell, then park your car at the State Park office further down the mountain. This gives you access to the Old Mitchell Trail (one-way, 2 miles), which winds up the mountain, eventually depositing you at the summit area.
It’s a great choice for those who want to bird-watch and try their hand at identifying some of the Black Mountains’ most unique flora. (This would be my choice of hike!)
When to go to Mount Mitchell
As mentioned up top, Mount Mitchell is open to the public year-round. However, the park’s opening hours change seasonally.
In summer, the park is generally open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Keep in mind that this is the high season for hikers. You might want to head there early in the morning or later in the day to avoid peak crowds.
In spring and fall, you won’t face high temperatures. Autumn visitors will be able to enjoy the changing color of the leaves, while springtime visitors can enjoy the wildflowers.
Camping at Mount Mitchell
If hiking isn’t your thing, I’d still recommend passing through Mount Mitchell and Pisgah National Forest. Like Mount Mitchell, the forest is open to the public. You can hike or camp. Many camping sites in Pisgah are also arranged close to Mount Mitchell, which means you can walk to the hiking trails.
If camping isn’t your thing, then drive over from Asheville. It’s close enough that you can hike during the day and then head back to your lodging. It’s a fantastic option for those who are leaving Asheville to head deeper into the Black Mountains.
Just keep in mind that there’s a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy—and that you’re walking through a UNESCO-protected biosphere.