Mount Mitchell TR 190

This trail climbs from the Black Mountain Campground to Mount Mitchell the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. The trail enters stands of red spruce and Fraser fir that fill the air with scents of Christmas above 4,500 feet. At mile 4.0 there is a large grassy field available for tent camping.

Total Length: 5.7 miles

Total Elevation Change: 3,630 feet

Degree of Difficulty: Difficult

Beginning Point: Black Mountain Campground

Ending Point: Mount Mitchell State Park

Average Hiking Time: 6 hours (one way)

Amount of Use: Heavy

Blaze Color: Blue

Area Trail Map: South Toe River, Mount Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map

USGS Quad Maps: Celo and Mount Mitchell

General Information

Directions:

From Burnsville: go east on US 19E for about 4.3 miles. Turn right onto NC 80. After 0.6 miles, turn right again to stay on NC 80. Follow this road for 11.6 miles. After passing Mt. Mitchell Golf Course, turn right onto South Toe River Road/NFSR 472. This road turns to gravel. Arrive at intersection and turn right towards Black Mountain Campground. Trail parking is across the river from the campground entrance. Cross the vehicle bridge toward the campground, and turn left once across the river. Access the trail on the right side of Briar Bottom Camp Road.

From the Asheville Supervisor's Office: Take I 26 West to 19 E to 80 S to the Blue Ridge Parkway, OR I 26 East to 40 East to Exit 72 (Old Fort).  Take US Rt. 70 to State Route 80.


Activities

Day Hiking

Viewing Scenery