Highlight • Summit
Mount Mitchell Summit
Hiking
5.0
(10)
Road cycling
5.0
(3)
Cycling
5.0
(2)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
June 19, 2023
Hiking
November 2, 2015
Hiking
•
July 21, 2019
Cycling
It is 8km one way detour from the Parkway. Road inclines are a bit higher then the Parkway but mostly …
Sign up for a free komoot account to get 3 more insider tips and takes.
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Mount Mitchell Summit
1.0
(2)
37
hikers
8.88km
03:42
0m
1,090m
The Mount Mitchell Trail offers a challenging journey through diverse ecosystems to the highest peak east of the Mississippi. As you climb, you'll pass through mixed hardwood forests, then dense old-growth spruce, finally reaching unique Fraser Fir stands near the summit. The path is often rough with exposed roots and rocks, leading to the incredible 360-degree panoramic views from the Mount Mitchell Summit observation tower.
This difficult 5.5-mile (8.9 km) hike, despite its listed 16 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, is a strenuous, sustained uphill climb that typically takes around 3 hours and 42 minutes. The trailhead is usually at Black Mountain Campground; be aware that temperatures can be significantly cooler at the top, and weather conditions change rapidly. Winter hikes may require special gear due to ice.
What makes this route particularly notable is its destination: Mount Mitchell itself, the highest point in Eastern North America. The trail is a classic way to experience the mountain, steadily climbing through multiple forest ecosystems. A significant portion of the Mount Mitchell Trail also overlaps with the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, offering a glimpse into a much longer adventure.
5
hikers
4.89km
02:02
240m
250m
The Commissary Trail in Mount Mitchell State Park offers a delightful journey through the Black Mountain range, providing near non-stop views of the surrounding peaks and the South Toe River Valley. You'll wander through lush forests of fragrant balsam fir and open grassy areas, with the path often wide and flat, a remnant of its logging railroad past. Keep an eye out for the historic site of Camp Alice, a fascinating landmark along the way, and enjoy the vibrant wild mountain flowers that bloom from spring through fall.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with the trail being generally considered easy to moderate and suitable for families. While specific parking details aren't explicitly mentioned, the trail is well-accessed within Mount Mitchell State Park. It's a 3.0-mile (4.9 km) hike with 782 feet (238 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 2 hours and 1 minutes. Visiting in spring or fall will reward you with the most spectacular natural displays.
This trail is notable for its historical significance, following an old logging railroad line from the early 1900s, which later brought tourists into the mountains. It serves as a key access point to Mount Mitchell State Park and can connect you to more challenging routes leading to Mount Mitchell Summit. The consistent panoramic views and diverse flora make it a standout moderate hike in the region.
3
hikers
13.0km
06:47
1,370m
210m
The Colbert Ridge to Mount Mitchell trail is a relentless ascent through the Black Mountains, transitioning from lush hardwood forests to high-altitude evergreen stands. You'll navigate steep, technical terrain, often scrambling over boulders and roots, especially on the brutal final mile to Deep Gap. The reward is a journey across several high peaks, including Big Tom and Mount Craig, culminating in the expansive panoramic views from Mount Mitchell Summit.
This difficult 8.1-mile (13.0 km) hike involves a staggering 4485 feet (1367 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 6 hours and 47 minutes. The trailhead is near Carolina Hemlocks Campground. Be aware that water sources are limited, and the trail can be icy in winter, particularly closer to Deep Gap. Hiking poles are highly recommended for the challenging footing.
This route serves as a crucial access point to the Black Mountain Crest Trail, making it a popular choice for longer backpacking trips or as one of North Carolina's toughest day hikes. The trail offers diverse scenery, with notable overlooks of the Unaka Mountains and the South Toe River Valley, and on clear days, you might even spot Grandfather Mountain.
Details
Informations
Elevation 2,010 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Monday 17 August
27°C
17°C
61 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December