Mount Mitchell State Park
Mount Mitchell State Park is the 34th Park in our 2025 North Carolina State Park Challenge. Mount Mitchell just reopened on September 18th- a couple weeks shy of the 1 year mark of Hurricane Helene. It is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, making it the earliest part of North Carolina to see fall colors. The paved path up to the observation tower allows easy access to these views while some of the more strenuous hikes allow for more secluded experience.
We started out early getting into the park right at 7am as they opened (there were a couple cars there when we got there so I think they opened the gates a little early to allow people to enjoy the sunrise during the popular fall season (and with the park just reopening)). We really lucked out with the most amazing sunrise- we stopped once along the Blue Ridge Parkway, once in the parking lot when we arrived, and then went up to the Observation Tower. Walking up to the Observation Deck is a paved path that is decently steep (we were jogging up a big with the fear of missing any part of this amazing sunrise and I was breathing hard by the time we got to the top). The path is surrounded by Fraiser Fir and Red Spruce trees that I could smell on the way up to the top- it was a comforting smell that immediately reminded me of Christmas. I’m not sure what they sell in their gift shop (because it is still currently closed) but it would be a travesty if they didn’t sell a Mount Mitchell Candle smelling of these trees.
We started out hiking on the Black Mountain Crest trail out to Mount Craig (trailhead says Deep Gap) that starts from the back of the parking lot near the picnic area. It’s a strenuous trail that starts out with a steep downhill stair section then has some steep rock scrambling sections. There were a couple different view points to stop at on the way out to Mount Craig- and the great thing is you can go as far or short as you want on this trail because it extends for over 11 miles.
Once we got back to the parking lot we did the easy Balsam Nature Loop that spits you out on the paved path near the observation tower. Start from here on your way back down from the Observation Tower and the trail will be downhill, but starts from the parking area (like we did) and it will be a gradual uphill the whole way. We headed up to the Observation Tower one more time to see the views in the daylight before walking down to the concession stand. As of right now they are open only on weekends and have some basic things (chips, coffee, hot chocolate etc.). I got a hot chocolate to enjoy while sitting down at the picnic area. And this has to be one of the best views at a picnic table from the state parks we’ve been to- don’t miss out on it.
There is camping at this park, but it will not be opening this year- which is okay because we’ll just have to go back next year to camp! They’re walk-in sites with the furthest being 500 yards from the parking area. The park wasn’t open during the summer this year, but I think I would have saved this park for the fall anyway. The colder weather and early fall foliage make it a great early fall trip (especially coming from Raleigh where it’s still quite a bit warmer this time of year). It’s like being able to dip your toe into fall, then go back home to a couple more weeks of warm weather before it really starts getting chilly. Burnsville is the closest town (for weather purposes), but due to it’s elevation Mount Mitchell is a few degrees colder- so plan your outfit accordingly!
As of 10/05 when we visited, the Blue Ridge Parkway past Mount Mitchell State Park is still closed, so you will have to enter the parkway through Asheville. Make sure you have enough gas! I read somewhere that it’s a 70 mile round trip without a gas station. The museum and concession stands are open on the weekend and the gift shop was pending opening (I think probably just weekends as well) depending on staffing. The Park Office is not staffed all day but the door is open and they have pre-stamped pieces of paper you can tape into your passport book. Enjoy!
Park Details:
ADDRESS: 2388 N.C. 128, Burnsville NC 28714
HOURS: November-February: 7am-6pm
March-April & October: 7am-8pm
May-August: 7am-10pm
September: 7am-9pm
VISITOR CENTER: November-March: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
April-October: Open Daily 9am-5pm
PASSPORT STAMP: Located at the Park Office
ENTRANCE FEE: No Entrance Fee
TRAILS: 40 miles of hiking trails
ACTIVITIES: Hiking
DOG RULES: Dogs are not allowed in park buildings and must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please pick up after your pet!
Check out our videos about this Park on instagram @axel.theadventurepup
