Mount Mitchell: Visiting the East Coast’s tallest Mountain

Living on the east coast and specifically in Florida we don’t have a lot of opportunities to visit the mountains. While looking for “things to do” during our recent visit to Asheville, I found Mount Mitchell. If you haven’t heard of it, Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. While it’s not quite as tall at the 14er mountains of Colorado, it does stand at a respectable 6,684 ft.

You can access the summit of Mount Mitchell by either hiking for following the Blue Ridge Parkway to the top. Once you reach Mount Mitchell State Park you will find a museum, gift shop, observation deck, plenty of hiking trails and even a restaurant to get a bite to eat. Bonus: there’s no entrance or parking fees to visit the park.

History of Mount Mitchell

Mount Mitchell is the highest peak of the Appalachia Mountains, the nearest higher peak is located in Lone Butte, CO. The range where Mount Mitchell is located was formed somewhere between 3260-325 million years ago. It was originally know as the Black Dome because of it’s wide round shape at the top. The summit was renamed to honor Dr. Elisha Mitchell, the first person to survey Mount Mitchell at the summit and name it the highest point in the eastern United States. Unfortunately Dr. Mitchell fell to his death on the mountain and is buried somewhere near the mountain top.

Mount Mitchell is protected by the state park that shares it’s name and surrounds the mountain summit. Fun fact: Mount Mitchell State Park was one of the first national parks in America.

Climate, Vegetation, & Wild Life

The average temperature at the top of Mount Mitchell in the summer is only around 65 degrees. That average drops to about 17 during the winter months. On the day of our visit it was a nice sunny day at the top and the temps were on the higher end of the average at around 68 degrees.

The peak of the mountain is covered in a beautiful forest of native red spruce and fraser fir trees. The green lush forest is filled with wildflowers, and native birds can been seen feasting on wild blackberry bushes. Occasionally bears can be spotted along the hiking trails, so be careful when camping anywhere on the mountain.

Mount Mitchell Activites

Mount Mitchell Education Center – At this center you can learn about the ecology of Mount Mitchell from park rangers. The programs are developed for 4th to 6th grade students to introduce them to the forest types found in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They focus on educating the public on what causes forest decline in an effort to help save the forests.

Mountain Museum – Inside the museum you can see how Mount Mitchell measures up against other peaks on the east coast. The are equipped with hands on models and replicas to educate on the natural and cultural history. Heads up – the museum is only open from May-October.

Concession Stand and Gift Shop – You can find this stand near the summit offering light snack, candies, and even local ciders. The gift shop next to the stand offers a multitude of crafts, books, and keepsakes to help you remember your visit. It’s open daily from May to October, 10am-6pm.

Mountain Restaurant – The restaurant offers scenic views of the mountain while you enjoy a nice lunch or dinner. The restaurant is located just below the peak at the parking area for the summit. It’s about a half mile to walk from the parking lot to the summit observation deck. The restaurant is open from May – October from 10 am to 1 hour before park closing. It offers American fare food.

Mount Mitchell Observation Deck – Once you reach the summit you will find a stone observation deck that offers beautiful 360 degrees views of the surrounding areas. On a clear day you can see up to 85 miles in any direction.

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