Mt Mitchell Hike
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State High Points You Can Actually Hike

Mt Mitchell Hike

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated November 16, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance
12 miles
Time
5-7 Hours
Total Climbing
3700 feet
Difficulty
Hard
Crowds
Moderate
Dogs
Leashed
Gear
What I Use
Weather
Latest Report
Park
Mt Mitchell State Park

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.

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.

Essentials I’m Using Now

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.
Click to activate map
CalTopo
Print Map, Work With It Yourself
GPX
Bring the Guide to Any GPS

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 2
Start by walking across the bridge into the Black Mountain Campground. Make the left when you cross the bridge.
Mt Mitchell Hike Directions 3
Bear left over the bridge and hike down the dirt road toward the Mt Mitchell trailhead.
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

Originally published July 4, 2024