
Mount Mitchell
Background Information:
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Altitude: 6,684'
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Tidbits: Highest point in North Carolina. Highest point east of the Mississippi.
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Summitted, April 2, 2016
Time Zone: GMT -5 hours
When to go:
Best to go between May and October. Beware of road closings in the winter.
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Route Selection:
There is only one route to the summit from the parking area, although there are many trails in the surrounding National Park that can allow you to start further away.
Hotel and Climb Reservation:
No guide, permit, or trail reservations are required.
Packing List:
Nothing special although the elevation can produce unexpected cold and wind.
Getting There:
Take the Blue Ridge Parkway to Route 128. Go north for 4 3/4 miles to the Mount Mitchell State Park parking area. Entry is free.
Trip Description:
The Blue Ridge Parkway never disappoints and the views from the ride to the trail-head were as scenic as the summit view itself. This is a major tourist stop, so expect many fellow hikers, families, tour buses, etc. The hike itself is short and the views from the summit are spectacular.
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At the beginning of the trailhead...paved all the way up
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Just below the observation platform at the summit
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Summit view
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Summit selfie
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