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+ 64

Mount Mitchell Trail Loop

Trail Running Route

Hard
10.94 mi
3,774 ft
An incredibly challenging, yet rewarding, approach to Mount Mitchell.

According to [North Carolina State Park's official website]( this is the primary route chosen to climb Mount Mitchell on foot. As the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, trail runners have an ~6-mile trek between Black Mountain Campground to their destination atop the summit. Soaring high at 6,684 feet above sea level, the mountain is home to a unique ecosystem and provides incredible views of the surrounding Blue Ridge.

The run-up is incredibly challenging - yet rewarding - as the terrain transitions into the spruce-fir forest typically confined to the northern latitudes. As you near the summit, you'll notice how the harsh weather has taken its toll on the ecosystem. The frigid winter temperatures and high winds have killed many of the trees, and the area shows a resemblance to the Green and White Mountains of New England.

Upon reaching the summit, the Mount Mitchell Trail merges with a paved trail leading to the summit. Atop the observation deck, enjoy the sweeping views from the highest point east of the Mississippi River. A placard denotes the official summit, and the nearby parking area makes the summit accessible by car for the less adventurous. Water and other facilities are seasonally available at the summit.

While you could return the same way, this route circles the southern face of the summit before returning on the Mountain Mitchell Trail. Connect the Old Mitchell, Camp Alice, Commissary, and Buncombe Horse Trails back to the trail junction near Commissary Hill.

For those looking for a point-to-point option, [NC State Parks]( states that, "arrangements can be made with (Hiker Transport) Yancey County Transit Authority at 828-682-6144 (requires 48-hour advanced notice and fee)."

Know that weather at such high elevation can change quickly and/or become dangerous. In the summer months, afternoon storms are not uncommon at higher elevations. In contrast, winter access to the park can be limited due to ice and snow. It is not uncommon for the temperature at the summit to be 20 (or more) degrees cooler than the nearby town of Asheville.

Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

3,000 ft
3,000 ft4,000 ft5,000 ft6,000 ft0.0 mi1.0 mi2.0 mi3.0 mi4.0 mi5.0 mi6.0 mi7.0 mi8.0 mi9.0 mi10.0 mi

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
Mt Mitchell Trail Climb2.49 mi1,824 ft13.9%
Briar Bottom Cmpgrnd to Top of Mt. Mitchell5.49 mi3,635 ft12.5%
Campground to Setrock2.53 mi1,818 ft13.5%
Mitchell via Mitchell Trail5.13 mi3,629 ft13.3%
Ranger Dr Climb2.86 mi1,870 ft12.4%
Mount Mitchell Trail Climb0.24 mi144 ft11.0%
Mount Mitchell Trail Descent - Commissary Hill to Black Mountain Campground3.67 mi-2,766 ft-14.2%