Mount Mitchell Milepost 355.4 Blue Ridge Parkway
Mount Mitchell is the highest point East of the Mississippi at an elevation of 6,684 feet above sea level. Mount Mitchell is located in Yancey County near Burnsville and 19 miles Northeast of Asheville. At the top of the summit there is an observation deck with a 360 degree view and views of the surrounding Blue Ridge mountain ranges.. Mount Mitchell offers a museum that explains mountain culture and natural history. There are many hiking trails to explore up and down the mountain to the summit and surrounding wilderness areas.
History
Mount Mitchell was named after Elisha Mitchell, a professor from the University of North Carolina who explored Black Mountain in 1835. Elisha Mitchell fell to her death at Mitchell falls in 1857. He is buried at the summit near the observation deck.
Camping
The nine site campground is open from May to October and each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table. Restrooms are located nearby. The campground has no hot water and no showers.
Hiking Trails
- Balsalm Nature Trail
- Camp Alice Trail
- Comissary Trail
- Deep Gap Trail
- Mount Mitchell Trail
