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Mountains

Mount Mitchell State Park

Burnsville, NC · Blue Ridge MountainsFreeFree for day use; camping and reservations cost extra

About

Elisha Mitchell, who measured this mountain in 1835, is buried on top of it, the highest point east of the Mississippi River, 30 miles northeast of Asheville. The Blue Ridge Parkway north of the park is still closed after Hurricane Helene, so come up from the Asheville side and fill the tank first, since there's no gas between the city and the park. Ice closes stretches of the Parkway frequently in winter, and some closures last a long time. Up top it's often several degrees colder than Burnsville.

Highlights

Summit observation deck at 6,684 feetHighest point east of the MississippiFraser fir forest on summit trailsMount Mitchell Trail, 5.6 miles one way

Getting there

2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714

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