How long is the Mt. Mitchell hike?

The Mt. Mitchell hike is 12 miles round trip.

What is the elevation gain for the Mt. Mitchell hike?

The elevation gain for the Mt. Mitchell hike is 3,700 feet.

What is the difficulty level of the Mt. Mitchell hike?

The Mt. Mitchell hike is considered challenging due to its length and elevation gain.

Where is the parking area for the Mt. Mitchell hike?

Parking for the Mt. Mitchell hike is available at the Black Mountain Campground.

What should I bring for the Mt. Mitchell hike?

It's recommended to bring plenty of water, snacks, layers of clothing, and navigation tools.

Best Hikes in the US

Mt Mitchell Hike

12 miles - Hard Effort
Or: 12.6 with concession area
5-7 Hours (Total)
Expect to See Some Other Hikers
3,700 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 6,684 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

While you can drive to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, the Mt. Mitchell hike, with about 3,700 feet of climbing, is much more of an accomplishment. In this guide, I'll show you everything you need to know to conquer Mt. Mitchell on the trail.

In this Guide:

Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions
Where to Park
Insider Tips and Recommendations

Quick Links:
Park Website - Weather Forecast - My Dec 2024 Gear

Where is the Mt Mitchell Trail?

Mt Mitchell Hike Map — The trailhead is about 2.5 hours west of Charlotte, NC, and a little over an hour north of Asheville.

Use this trailhead address:
Black Mountain Campground, S Toe River Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714

Parking is free.
There is no water or bathroom in the parking lot.
You need to cross the road and start the hike in the campground. The campground has water and bathrooms.

Mt Mitchell Hike Parking Lot — For the day hike to Mt Mitchell, you can park in the free lot across the street from the Black Mountain Campground.

Mt Mitchell Hike Get To Trail — To start the hike, cross the road into the campground, and then make the left. More on the directions below.

Gear Recommendations

The Mt Mitchell Trail is a place of extremes. In the summer, it can be over 100F and humid, in the winter, there can be snow. It's important to check the mountain weather; the trail is often cooler and different than nearby Asheville.

The trail has lots of rocks and roots. I find trail runners are best on this trail.
If you like using trekking poles, bring them along, but they're not mandatory to tackle the hike.
There's little to no cellular coverage. A satellite communicator is a good way to call for help if needed.
When it's hot out, bring 1-2 liters of water for the climb. You can refill your bottle at the top by the snack bar. No filter needed for that water, but if you refill from a stream long the hike, you need to filter it.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.

Topo MTN RacerAggressive and fun with a wide toe box (=no blisters). Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.

Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.

Check out the complete list here. ( Updated December 2024)

Mt Mitchell Trail Maps

Mt Mitchell Hike Marker — There are lots of these blue blazes along the Mt Mitchell Trail. Just follow them and you'll be in the right place.

Mt Mitchell Hike Marker 2 — There are also these trail posts every 0.5 miles.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Elevation Profile

Mt Mitchell Hike Elevation — While there are some level spots to catch your breath, overall this is pretty much straight uphill. When you're at the top, you just go down the way you came.

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 4 — After about 0.25 miles, make the right onto the Mt Mitchell Trail. The trailhead is well-marked.

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 5 — Start climbing!

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 6 — At about 1.5 miles you'll reach Long Arm Ridge, and you get a little breather on the climbing.

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 7 — At about 2 miles you arrive at the junction with the Higgins Bald Trail. Hike right and continue on the Mt Michell Trail.

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 8 — A mile later the Higgins Bald Trail rejoins. Keep hiking straight.

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 9 — When you approach Commissary Hill, the Buncombe Horse Trail joins from the right. Keep straight.

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 10 — And shortly after that, make the right and continue uphill on the Mt Mitchell Trail.

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 11 — You'll enter Mt Mitchell State Park from Pisgah National Forest.

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 12 — As you approach the summit, keep straight when the Balsam Nature Trail goes off to the right.

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 13 — When you come out at the paved path, make the hard left to continue to the summit.

Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 1 — And here you are, the summit of Mt Mitchell.

Mt Mitchell Hike Map Summit — From the summit area, continue downhill on the other side to visit the snack bar, restrooms, museum, and gift shop. When you're done, come back past the summit and go back down the Mt Mitchell Trail.

Mt Mitchell Trip Vlog

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide? Join my Patreon and ask me a question.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
Do you have an update to this guide? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to update the guide.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.