Mt. Mitchell Hike

In early August 2026, I hiked to the summit of Mount Mitchell and back from the Black Mountain Campground in North Carolina. The campground was still closed and under reconstruction, nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated this part of the state with powerful winds and catastrophic flooding. Parking was available across the road from the campground’s main entrance, and it was only a short walk to the trailhead. From there, the Mount Mitchell Trail climbs steadily through the beautiful Pisgah National Forest, with several scenic overlooks along the way. At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The hike from the campground is approximately 13 miles round trip, with more than 3,700 feet of elevation gain. The trail is not particularly technical, but the distance and sustained climb make it a challenging workout. One of the unique aspects of reaching the summit is that Mount Mitchell is also accessible by car. As a result, you can take advantage of the facilities at the top, including restrooms, a gift shop, and a concession stand. Overall, the Mount Mitchell Trail is a great hike, combining a long steady, challenging ascent with beautiful mountain scenery and the satisfaction of reaching the highest point east of the Mississippi.