At mile 4.0 there is a large grassy field available for tent camping. It took us slightly longer to go up. Pawel said: I think Steve sums it up really well down here. Overall, this is an arduous hike, the toughest one I have been on in WNC, and I live here. I read that most all do this as a day hike. I have two dogs that I hike a lot with, I would not take dogs on this trail if you intend to go the entire length. I dide hike/jog to summit in 2hrs. There's a concession stand (I didnt notice any hot food other than drinks) an interesting museum, small gift shop at the top. i was just up there guiding a trip. Lots of dead hemlocks stand in the forest encircling Higgins Bald. James said: Could someone write the parking coordinates? We had almost 2 liters each and had to refill out water bottles at the top. Climbs 3600 ft in 5.5 mi, making it one of the highest single-trail climbs in the region. The trip down was pretty brutal with knees and ankles taking a beating but the ice cold water of the Toe River in the Black Mountain Campground served to numb the pain a bit when we got back. It is certainly a good workout. Base layers provided by OpenStreetMap, the US Geological Survey, the US Forest Service, and NC OneMap. It was frighteningly awesome. Where we camped in early November was a good .25 downhill and back up to the nearest stream. You could also start at the top and hike down, but if you don't have a vehicle shuttle you'll have to hike back up anyway. I spent some time in the gift shop and museum where nobody seems to like to visit, although it is free. I wish I could get back here for the spring when the rhododendrons are in bloom. Going down was harder due to the wet conditions. However, it was very windy and foggy/cloudy at the summit. I got down between 8-8:30 which means I did 5.5 mile climb and 5.5 descent in about 4 and half to 5 hours. Mount Mitchell is challenging hike to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River in the Black Mountain range. The trip down was killer on my feet and knees. Bob Marshall said: I was hoping to make this my eighth hike up and down Mt. If you are not a guest at the campground, park at the small lot across the river, outside of the campground. 80 9.6 miles after exiting I-40. Ryan said: One other thing, got to the top in about 3 hrs. More on that in a minute. Or an underwhelming end to such a promising hike. It took me 2 hours and 45 minutes to get down, but I was going faster than I would have liked. When I left at 8:45 AM there was a temp of 43. The summit is amazing! It took me almost 5 hours from the moment I left my car in the parking lot in the AM to the moment I opened the door of the car again in the PM. If you're looking for a challenge of a most strenuous rated long hike, and the reward for having done the Eastern U.S.'s highest peak at the end, go for it - we're glad we did, now that we're recuperated! -side note- Higgans bald not really worth the extra 1/4 mile, unless ur looking for some camping spots. Black Mountain Campground sits in the shadow of Mt. Shortly after reaching the summit, my feet and legs started to cramp up pretty bad. It is basically straight up and straight down, with only a couple of short flat spots - you're ascending about 13 feet for every 100 feet you hike for 5.5 miles while having to watch every step due to the rocks, roots, logs, etc. That motivating talk between two people will mostly keep things calm and into the happy place if commited. Tip: when you reach the top of the Mt. If you're not used to hiking or strenuous exercise, I'd use a hiking pole to help, especially on the way down! Hike on my friends! Mitchell. Turn left on the paved path and climb a few more feet to the summit. The observation deck is brand new with a easy handicap accessible path to the highest point east of the Mississippi. Rogers, but the forest is lovely and several of the streams charming. Personally I like the immersion that a night in the woods can give-thusly I want to camp on the way up and it's always nice to camp near water. Luckily the trail is blazed in such a way that although you're climbing over 3000 ft, the elevation is smooth all the way to the top. Trekking poles will take off a load on ones knees and provide balance.I met a few who were climbing without them and told me their knees were aching. And there is camping - especially at Camp Alice closer to the top, but camping is allowed anywhere outside the State Park in National Forest lands. Hiked this August 1, 2013. You need to WANT to do it. I'm holding out hope for a wintertime view remaining). Forest Service Campgrounds. This is a strenuous trail. The trail is pretty well marked. Couldn't see more than about 100 feet. BTW we only rain into 4 people and that was on the top on State park property. Finally making it to the top in 4 hours. It is probably just safer to be out by the time the park closes if you aren't camping overnight. Fell on my behind twice on the slippery rocks as I was coming down lol. Our packs were approximately 10-12 lbs a piece. Made the hike from bottom to top (I'll save the decent for another day). This area receives much more precipitation than down at the Toe River, so the trail is a lot wetter up here in general, and everything is draped in lush, green moss. Holly said: A word to would-be backpackers on this trail - the best bet for breaking this hike up is to do what we did not do, and take the first fork you see for the Higgins Bald Trail. I had no goals,it just ended up that way. The poster that said they drove from Raleigh, did the hike and drove back in one day is full of you-know-what. Nice big sites, 4 electric, New bathhouse, good showers, trout stream, waterfall, biking and hiking. David said: Thinking about hiking this trail in the morning with some friends (Sunday 1/26/2014). This will help you know what you are looking at from the observation tower (including other mountains and the vicinity of Black Mountain Campground). The path is very well blazed. . Mitchell. Sunny, warm, easy to hike with trail shoes (no boots), shorts, and t-shirt. It took another 2 hours and 15 minutes to get back down to our car. Curious to know if the trail is too packed with snow to climb. It was about 60 degrees and cold when we started the hike, but we warmed up quickly as we started hiking and shed our clothes down to t-shirts. RECOMMENDED ROUTE Buffalo Creek Park One group starts at Black Mtn, hikes to Comissary the first day, Deep Gap the second day, Celo Knob the third, and down the fourth. I assume any other less steep or strenuous trails would be longer? I was a little panicked as I knew I had a 5 and half mile journey back down by this time it was already 6pm. I packed plenty but used more than I thought I would due to how strenuous the hike is. I am planning to climb with 2 boys 6 and 10 years old, fit, but with little experience. Has anyone done it, and can you offer any insights and tips about where, when, etc? This trail goes by Mt Mitchell Museum, Mt Mitchell Observation, and Commissary Hill. This hike is good if your trying to challenge yourself. We set a steady, not relaxed but no sprint, pace, and it took almost 4 hours each way (rainshowers on way down slowed what would have been faster, since it's mostly stones and roots and mud that get slick on the descent). Total Length: 5.7 miles Blisters can be another problem. Although several other named trails share the path you'll be taking, you can just follow the blue-blazed Mount Mitchell trail the entire route. We had Breakfast, very Good and very reasonably priced. Mitchell Trailhead until 1 pm. The views from the summit are breath taking. cori said: Does anyone know if you can still camp in the Black Mountain Campground this time of year. Would do it again but next time in winter just to see the difference with the reduced foliage. Once you reach a flatter section of trail with puncheon (sticks) laid across it to keep your feet out of the mud, you know you're getting close to the summit! We didn't get to camp out so I'm determined to take on Mitchell again, camping out but lightening the wieght a bit. Just as Steve, I had a small daypack with me with some clothes, more bananas and water but apart from a few sips of water this was actually not needed. Turn right on S. Toe River Road just past the golf course; there are signs for the Black Mountain Campground. pack a coat. I felt mt. Elevation:6,684 ft Location:Mount Mitchell State Park, Yancey County, NC Notable Features:Highest US peak east of the Mississippi River Observation deck, museum, and giftshop at summit accessible by foot (hiking) or car (via Blue Ridge Parkway) Park Hours: Open everyday at 7:00am except Christmas Day. we started at the black mtn campground, hiked up the mt. Mount Mitchell State Park. One of those places that stand apart from the ordinary, Mount Mitchell’s dramatic summit is the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet and was the inspiration for one of the nation’s first state parks. Tom said: Did it today in 3:45. This trail climbs from the Black Mountain Campground to Mount Mitchell the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Megan O said: Tackled Mt. We parked outside the campground and walked over the bridge to the trail. The best way to truly appreciate this state park is via the extensive hiking trail network. The trailhead is to the left along the gravel road. Others hike the Mt Mitchell or the Camp Alice trails from the valley to the summit. At the top the temperature was probably in the 40s and very cold so we had to put warm clothes back on. Glad I did the hike but don't need to do that again. Also have the right back pack, I made the mistake of taking my smaller frameless LL Bean pack that isn't meant for a trek like this, my husband did have a day pack with internal frame. I chatted with a couple of hikers I met for a bit and headed back down. It started pouring the rain 3/4 of the way to the top. And even happier we did the shuttle car arrangement, and didn't have to come back down... Nancy said: I did this hike today, September 8, 2013, on my birthday with my 11 year old daughter. Campsite Non-Electric. (includes precipitation amounts) The ridge in this area is pretty rugged, and you'll pass one nice, deep fracture cave on the way up through the switchbacks. We were in so much pain the last two miles we were afraid to stop for fear of not restarting. Mount Mitchell State Park: Hike from Black Mountain Campground to Summit of Mount Mitchell - See 735 traveler reviews, 729 candid photos, and great deals for Burnsville, NC, at Tripadvisor. more. I was really nervous leading up to it. Bag this peak on a pleasant 13.1-mile out-and-back hike in the Pisgah National Forest and Mount Mitchell State Park and you'll score great views of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains from the summit tower. TBell said: Can you climb this thing in Feb. It was labeled strenuous and while the first 30min were fairly easy, there were parts in the middle that were rocky, a little muddy, and steep. You never know what can go wrong. 20 minutes and 2 hrs. Luckily, I made it down with about 30 minutes of good light left, but bring a headlamp just in case! The trail was pretty well populated the day we went. If panoramic views are what you came for, hit the 6-mile Mount Mitchell Trail. The trail terrain is quite varied; slick boulders, loose rocks, roots, some leaves, etc. There are not a lot of watering holes! Each direction took us about 4 hours. I'm 57, and she's 55. Was able to have the summit too ourselves though due to the nasty conditions though, so I can't complain. For comparison, Mt. It was killer! The last 45 minutes on the way down were really tough on my knees. First, there is no cell phone service - including the campground - so if you are checking in with folks back home do so beforehand - sorry honey! You could also save the Higgins Bald trail and take it on the way back down, or skip it altogether. The first couple of miles down you're thinking "going back down is going to be sooooo much easier." We old guys have weak knees. These stands of Fir are ravaged by high winds, poor soil, and - within the last 50 years or so - a Balsam Wooly Adelgid insect infestation. 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Places along the trail from Fayetteville, NC Length Difficulty streams views Solitude camping 12.0 mls N/A hiking time Elev... In places along the route back up with the Mt 16.72 mile ( s ) reviews! I need some advice about the feasibility of such a hike for us an issue February. Carrying cups of coffee followed by two moms carrying babies and reserve online with ReserveAmerica views to see much recent. Prevented a lot of hiking - Gore Tex or waterproof boots were essential Saturday rained the night before a as.
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