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Mount Mitchell from Black Mountain CG via Mount Mitchell Trail

based on 181 tracks & routes #1 hike out of 23 in
11.0 mi
Distance
5 hrs 12 min
Time
terrain
3,627 ft
Elev Gain

Overview

This is a challenging hike, climbing to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak East of the Mississippi. You will probably only encounter a few hikers along the way, but be prepared for crowds at the top that have driven there. This is an out and back trail, with a climb of nearly 4,000 ft. For variety, on your way down, take a detour out to Higgins Bald, adding about 1/2 mile.

Getting Started

The hike starts from the somewhat remote Black Mountain Campground. If you are not a guest at the campground, park at the small lot across the river, outside of the campground. Note that the trailhead at this lot leads in the opposite direction to Green Knob.

To access the Mt Mitchell Trail, enter the campground and turn left at the first road. After about 1/2 mile, the trailhead is marked with a sign on the right.

Taking Children

This is a very challenging hike with some rough and steep sections. It is not recommended for young children.



    Rate this Hike

    user_profile
    3 months, 3 weeks ago
    Great hike!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    11 months ago
    This hike turned out better than expected yet I underestimated the difficulty and distance over terrain during cold temps. The trail is very well marked. First half seemed to be on the high end of a moderate level and the second half was difficult due to ice, wind, chillier temps at altitude. Micro spikes are a must on the trail just past half way point. Lots of ice on the rocks and frozen standing water. Started the trail at 9:00 am in 17*F and warmed up when the sun came out yet cloud cover and wind toward the top made for lower temps. Be aware of footing on the way back down as lots of rock and tree roots spread along the trail over a great distance and your legs are pretty smoked. Hiked with a 35 lb backpack in under 7 hours round trip and my Garmin showed 13.50 miles.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 years, 4 months ago
    Tough hike but amazing views from each of the peaks. Tough terrain—-be prepared.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 years, 4 months ago
    Very challenging but well worth the views.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    user_profile
    4 months, 1 week ago
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    8 months, 3 weeks ago

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    2 years, 8 months ago
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    3 years, 3 months ago
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    3 years, 4 months ago
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    3 years, 6 months ago
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    4 years ago
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    4 years, 4 months ago
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Public Tracks

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skycleandj 6 years, 3 months ago
Mt. Mitchell trail
This hike just doesn't give in. Its up hill the whole way. Kind of sucks getting to the top and seeing people struggling to walk to the top of the observatory after you just hiked from the bottom. Still rewarding though. I got off on the wrong trail for about .4 miles and actually descended 24' before I realized something was wrong. Still only took me 2:40. I had plenty of time to drink the 6pack I brought with me before my ride got there to pick me up.
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jhinkle0628 7 months ago
MST Black Mtn CG to Mt Mitchell
Sunny going up, 60* and rain last part of hike. Most challenging hike to date. Trail is rocky and rooty and last 3 miles at top is challenging wet rocks. Hike is through mature forest that switches to Balsa last 3 miles. Bucket list hike.
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rickharrison2000 4 years, 10 months ago
Track (2/14/20, 10:57:00AM)
This is a very challenging trail especially with snow and ice. The trail has lots of roots, rocks and ditches.
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Andrew 6 years, 5 months ago
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jbona2011 1 year, 7 months ago
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kc.shandip 4 years, 6 months ago
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mcsky718 5 years, 1 month ago
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Andrew 6 years, 5 months ago
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