Can you hike Mount Mitchell in the winter?

The park is open year-round unless the roads there are covered in snow and ice. Since sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway close during much of the winter between Asheville and Mt. Mitchell, the only winter access is taking the Parkway south from NC Highway 80.

Is Mount Mitchell a difficult hike?

Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 19 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.

Why is Mount Mitchell so special?

Mount Mitchell, at 6,684 feet above sea level, is the highest point in the eastern United States. Located in the Black Mountain range of the Southern Appalachians, it is part of an intricate mountain system featuring some of the oldest and most complex geological formations on earth.

Does Mount Mitchell cost money?

COST: It is free to visit Mount Mitchell State Park — there is no admission fee. HOURS: The Park is open 7-days a week, year round (closed on Christmas Day).

Is Mount Mitchell closed in the winter?

The Mt. Mitchell park rangers clears snow from the Blue Ridge Parkway north to Highway 80 so people can access the park year-round. It’s occassionally closed for snow and ice (they get 100+ inches of snow each year). Call the Park office at 828-675-4611 to check winter road conditions.

How long does it take to hike to the top of Mount Mitchell?

about 4.5 hours
Today, this is the trail mainly used to climb Mount Mitchell. The trail begins at the Black Mountain Campground (operated by the U.S. Forest Service) and ends at the summit. This 6-mile trail requires about 4.5 hours of strenuous hiking to reach the top and 3.5 hours to return.

Is Mount Mitchell worth visiting?

Mount Mitchell State Park is simply stunning. This park was the first State Park in North Carolina – earning that honor in 1915. Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet. That might not seem too high for our friends out west, but on the east coast that is massive!

Can you hike Mt. Mitchell in November?

Mount Mitchell State Park is scheduled to be open every day of the year except Christmas Day. The park is accessible by hiking, backpacking, or via a 4.6-mile road off of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

Are there bears at Mount Mitchell?

It’s not uncommon to encounter black bears at Mount Mitchell State Park, particularly in warm weather months. A few things to remember: Never feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to human food and lose their fear of people often must be destroyed.

How much snow does Mount Mitchell get?

As low as the mercury drops, the snowfall climbs, with an average of more than 100 inches a year—greater than Buffalo, New York. The state’s greatest 24-hour snowfall occurred on Mount Mitchell in 1993—36 inches. Put a yardstick by your driver’s side door (while imaging a shovel) to appreciate it.

Are there bears on Mt Mitchell?

It’s not uncommon to encounter black bears at Mount Mitchell State Park, particularly in warm weather months. A few things to remember: Never feed bears.

Is Mt Mitchell higher than Mt Washington?

Certainly Mount Washington is not the tallest peak on the East Coast (For one, Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina stands at 6,683 feet, topping us by 395 feet!). But, Mount Washington is the tallest peak north of North Carolina and east of the Mississippi River.