Sitting in the shadow of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the Eastern US, and bordering the South Toe River, Black Mountain campground is mecca for people who enjoy the outdoors and recreation, such as hiking and fishing. Black Mountain Campground offers individual camping sites (none with hookups).
Bounties of trout fill the area's streams. Near Black Mountain Campground, the stream is catch-and-release and lures are limited to artificial flies and a single hook. Farther upstream, the South Toe becomes wild trout waters. Watch for state regulations signs posted along the river.
Hiking
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Backpacking
Day Hiking
The Mount Mitchell Trail climbs 3,200 feet to Mount Mitchell's summit at 6684 feet. Marked with yellow blazes, the trail passes from hardwood to a Canadian forest of spruce and fir. The trail travels 5.7 miles from the campground.
The very steep 3.3-mile Lost Cove Ridge Trail climbs to the Green Knob Lookout Tower beside the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The 0.7-mile Devil's Den Trail is a loop that begins near the restroom next to the amphitheater. The yellow-blazed trail offers an easy stroll through beautiful stands of poplar and oak.
The 1.2-mile Briar Bottom Bicycle Trail starts at group campground gate. The trail follows the South Toe River under giant hemlock trees, crosses two locust bridges and loops around the group campground to the starting point.
Nature Viewing
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Viewing Scenery
A beautiful cascading waterfall awaits hikers on the 0.25-mile trail to Setrock Creek Falls. The trail begins just past the group campground gate.
Another waterfall, Roaring Fork Falls, is three miles down Forest Road 472 near its junction with NC 80. The trail is Roaring Fork Falls is an easy, 0.7-mile hike, starting on FR 5520.
Outdoor Learning
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Interpretive Areas
During the summer, a variety of programs, children's activities and guided walks are featured at Black Mountain and Carolina Hemlocks Campgrounds. The programs focus on wildlife and wildflower identification.
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