Asheville TrailsbyTrailful Outdoor Co
Mount Mitchell State Park

Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop

Hike the Mount Mitchell High Loop, catching stunning summit views at the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Follow the Old Mitchell Trail through rocky forests, sun-drenched fields of wildflowers, thickets of wild berries and a small waterfall.

georgia hiking trails: 4-6 miles 4 miles
(round trip)
? Your mileage may vary! Accuracy of your GPS device, weather conditions, and stops along your route will affect your own recorded distance.
georgia hiking trails: moderate to difficultmore
difficult
?Our difficulty estimate, based on distance, terrain, elevation change, & ease of wayfinding. May vary daily due to weather, trail reroutes, downed trees, etc.
georgia hiking trails: dog-friendly Dog-
friendly
?Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail. We’ve loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! Check out more of our favorite dog-friendly trails near Asheville for a great hike with your pup.

LOCATION:on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mount Mitchell State Park

PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list

OFFICIAL MAP: Nat Geo 779 Trails Illustrated Map (find it at Trailful Outdoor Co.)

Towering above the surrounding landscape, Mount Mitchell rises high from the crest of the Black Mountains. The highest summit east of the Mississippi, the mountain’s soaring 6,684-foot height is home to harsh elements, unique ecosystems and, on clear days, some of the most spectacular views in western North Carolina.

Sure – you can drive to the near-peak of this towering mountain, following a quarter-mile, paved path to the summit’s observation platform on the Summit Trail. This hike takes the longer, more scenic route, exploring a four mile stretch of beautiful high-elevation forest, wildflower-filled meadows, and fragrant stands of fir in the mountain’s shadow. The hike follows the Old Mitchell Trail to the mountain’s summit, and then loops back to the trailhead on the Camp Alice and Old Commissary Trails, visiting a small, tumbling waterfall.

Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop

Also called the ‘Mount Mitchell High Loop’, this trio of trails follows a lesser-traveled route, though crowds at the summit are frequent. Our favorite time to hike this loop is in the early morning when the sun’s rays are golden and the summit’s crowds are sparse. With incredible sunrise views, drifting fog banks and exceptionally beautiful forest, this loop is well worth the mileage.

Hike the Mount Mitchell High Loop, catching stunning summit views at the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Follow the Old Mitchell Trail through rocky forests, sun-drenched fields of wildflowers, thickets of wild berries and a small waterfall. #hiking #trailrunning #asheville #nc #northcarolina #travel #outdoors #adventure

Mount Mitchell High Loop: the hike

The hike departs from a trailhead at the Mt Mitchell State Park Restaurant parking area (view maps and driving directions). The hike begins at the northern corner of the parking area, following the Old Mitchell Trail in a northeast direction. The trail dives into a high-elevation forest, descending through switchbacks through a rocky, boulder-studded forest and fields of wildflowers.

Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop

The hike dips through a power line clearing at a half mile after crossing a wooden bridge, catching limited views from the clearing. The trail bed becomes increasingly rockier as the hike begins its ascent to the summit, climbing wooden stairs and boulders in a lush, shady forest.

The trail meets an intersection with the Camp Alice Trail at .8 mile, veering left to begin the final climb to the summit. Reaching the paved Mount Mitchell Summit Trail at 1.1 miles, the hike hangs a right, spiraling toward the summit and catching exceptional, 360-degree panoramas from the observation platform.

The hike departs the summit, retracing the Summit Trail and Old Mitchell Trail to return to the Camp Alice trailhead. The route turns left on the Camp Alice Trail at 1.7 miles, descending through switchbacks and carving through stands of young pine and a mossy, fragrant balsam forest.

Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop

The sound of tumbling water fills the forest as the trail parallels Lower Creek. A small waterfall cascades near the trail at 2.1 miles, just as the Camp Alice Trail intersects the wide, gravel roadbed of the Commissary Trail.



The hike turns right, following the Commissary Trail southbound in a gentle climb. Wildflowers stretch skyward along the old gravel roadbed, basking in the abundant sunshine. In warmer summertime months, wild berry bushes line the trail with abundant fruit.

Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop

The trail catches views at 2.7 miles and 3 miles, arcing around bends in the roadbed and veering southwest. The hike reaches the park offices and the Old Mitchell trailhead at 3.4 miles.

The trail departs the paved sidewalk, meandering northeast through a forest of fragrant balsam fir. The trail’s surface is rocky and rooty, running through alternate stands of fir and open, grassy expanses of wildflowers and wild berries. The trail rolls elevation over Hallback Mountain, following yellow trail blazes and descending to the park’s restaurant at 4 miles, completing the hike.

More Mount Mitchell hiking adventures

Up for more mileage at this ultra-scenic park? Explore the ridge line of the Black Mountains on the Deep Gap Trail, rolling elevation to Mount Craig and Big Tom, Mt Mitchell’s closest neighbors. Or hike the Balsam Nature Trail through a lush, high-elevation forest near the mountain’s summit.


 
Leave No Trace: Atlanta Trails, Asheville Trails and Trailful are official Leave No Trace partners

Please Remember

Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.

Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions.

Old Mitchell Trail Map, Directions & Details

Old Mitchell Trail and Mt Mitchell High Loop Trail Map
This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route.

Love the trail?

This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the NC High Peaks Trail Association. Please support them by making a donation or joining a volunteer day. Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use!

Driving Directions



Parking

Free parking is available at the trailhead, located north of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 355. (Before you go, check for trail updates and parkway closures on the official Blue Ridge Parkway website.)


GPS Coordinates

35.745681, -82.277440     //     N35 44.740, W82 16.646

Elevation Profile

Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop Elevation Profile
 

Eric Champlin is a creative director and photographer who loves to explore southeast. He's the co-owner of Trailful Outdoor Co, a locally-owned hiking outfitter shop in Hiawassee in the Georgia mountains near the Appalachian Trail. He’s also the co-founder of Atlanta Trails and Asheville Trails, digital magazines that highlight the South’s best outdoor adventures. His mission? To inspire others to get fit outdoors and explore the South’s incredible scenic beauty.