Mount Mitchell: The Highest Point East of the Mississippi River in North Carolina

Length: 0.2 miles Difficulty: Moderately Easy 

For a while I’ve had plans to visit Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, in North Carolina. The drive is almost an hour from Asheville depending on how traffic is on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was well worth the drive, which was packed full of fall color and amazing overlooks. I want to take a trip back to the Blue Ridge Parkway just to see the beautiful views though that seem like a far away country. Mount Mitchell State Park is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and offers more trails and amazing views from the highest peak in eastern United States.

We had plans to hike a longer trail to Mount Mitchell, but a change of plans led us to hike to Mount Craig from the Summit Tower Trailhead to Mount Mitchell. The Summit Tower Trailhead to Mount Mitchell is a gradual incline with benches to rest on, and it has restrooms on the way. The trip is 0.1 miles one way making for a 0.2 miles roundtrip on the trailhead. I would say the trail is moderately easy. It’s one of the best paved trails leading to an overlook I’ve visited, and it’s ADA accessible. They also provide motorized assistance if needed. It can take the wind out of you though, so rest as needed on the walk up.

It was a popular day to be at Mount Mitchell. Fall colors were making it worth everyone to be out in the cool day. We arrived and it was already in the 50’s. A sign greets your arrival to the tower at Mount Mitchell announcing it’s height at 6,684 feet.

Signs around the tower indicate what direction you’re looking in, and what you can see in the distance. We had a great view on the clear day.

To the west we could see a few prominent peaks. The sun was also hanging over this direction causing for dramatic shadows. From the left you can see Point Misery, Little Butt, Big Butt, and to the right you can see Little Bald, Big Bald, and Burnsville, North Carolina. And yes, those mountains were really named “butt.”

To the north there is the view of where we hiked after walking back from Mount Mitchell, the 2nd highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Craig. Little Bald, Big Bald, and Burnsville, North Carolina can also still be seen from this side to the north. Johnson City, Tennessee comes into view here too, along with Unaka Mountains, Celo Knob, Winter Star, Cattail Peak, Balsam Cove, Roan Mountain, Big Yellow Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock in NC, and Hawkbill. Boone, North Carolina and the Feldspar Mine are visible here too.

The east provided some of my favorite views. It was also amazingly lit by the sun in front of it, so it had just the right amount of light. The view has continued views from the north, you have additional views of Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Spruce Pine, North Carolina, Crabtree Meadows on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shortoff Mountain, Mount Mitchell Golf Course, Lake James, Buck Creek Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Marlon, North Carolina, Lake Tahoma, Buzzard’s Roost, Maple Camp Bald, and Commissary Ridge. 

Walking around the tower our final view was to the south. We had views of Chimney Rock State Park, Rumbling Bald, Tryon Peak, Bald Knob Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pinnacle Mountain, Little Pisgah Mountain, Graybeard, Barnhill Mountain, Mount Hallback, Clingman’s Peak, Mount Gibbs, Stepps Gap, Asheville, North Carolina, Rainbow Gap, Mount Pisgah, Craggy Dome, Balsam Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Clingmans Dome in Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mount Sterling in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina, and the restaurant in the park. There are also continued views to the west.

After hiking to Mount Craig and Big Tom we returned to the summit of Mount Mitchell. The crowds had cleared off allowing for some photos I hadn’t been able to get. One of the photos was of the gravesite of Dr. Elisha Mitchell. He surveyed the summit of Mount Mitchell to find it was the highest peak in eastern United States. Dr. Mitchell died as well hiking the Black Mountains to survey the peaks. In 1857 he fell from above a 40 foot waterfall where he was knocked out an drowned. The mountain was given his name in 1858 to honor him. He was buried in Asheville, but his body was moved to the top of Mount Mitchell where he is now buried.

 When I was a kid I was always told to not run on graves or climb them. Whether that was an act of respect I was being taught or just because my parents were annoyed with me running around I don’t know. There were plenty of people standing atop Dr. Mitchell’s grave though. I wonder how many people read the memorial to know he was buried here though?

The shape of North Carolina is in the middle of the tower, and on it is a marking for the highest point. Mount Mitchell State Park was the first state park established in North Carolina in 1915. (Learn More)

If you have a chance in the evening to see the sunset it’s just as beautiful and awe inspiring as the mountains in the middle of the day. The moon was also prominent above the Black Mountain range that Mount Mitchell resides in.

The parking lot also boasts great view. The elevation where we parked was 6, 578 feet.

Mount Mitchell State Park is free to visit, but donations can be made in the visitor center, and it is open year around. Hours change seasonally. They open year around at 8 a.m., but close variously at 10 p.m., 9 p.m., and 6 p.m., and as the days grow darker. Mount Mitchell is also a designated UNESCO’s International Biosphere Reserve to represent the relationship between people and nature as it is observed. The state park also boasts a restaurant, concession stand with coffee and cocoa, and a gift shop.  

Clingmans Dome – Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Length: 1 mile / Difficulty: Moderate 

I’ve now visited 4 highest peaks in 4 states. Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Tennessee. It’s the 3rd highest peak east of the Mississippi. It’s a magnificent mountain towering over the surrounding mountains. The day we visited was hopping with visitors ready for spring and wanting to visit Clingmans Dome, which had just opened the road for warmer weather.

Clingmans Dome Tower is only a 0.5 mile hike from the parking area, but don’t let that fool you. This is an extremely steep hike. The 1 mile round trip walk is straight up hill and straight downhill. Because of the steepness the National Park Service says the paved trail is not ADA accessible, but the area is still a great place to visit because many overlooks are accessible for anyone to view.

Two other trails are near here. Mountains – to – Sea Trail and the highest point along the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

Interpretive signs near the parking area are on the Cherokee history of the area. This area to the Cherokees was vital as a homeland, refuge, and their spirituality. During the Trail of Tears after the Indian Removal Act, many Cherokees would find these mountains an escape from the soldiers driving them from their homeland. Near the parking lot there are quotes on the various beliefs of how the land was formed.

The average, estimated 82 inches of rain, and the 12 degrees cooler temperatures than the foothills provide an unique community. You’ll see more coniferous spruce-fir trees and less hardwood forests. Clingmans Dome is much like a forest you would find instead in Canada.

Many benches line the trail to the top of Clingmans Dome. The trail is rated moderate in difficulty. After reaching the top you only have to walk to the top of the tower. The concrete tower wasn’t built until 1960, and until then visitors used a wooden tower at the peak.

The tower provides a 360 view over the trees at the top of the mountain. Clingmans Dome towers at 6.643 feet.  From the Southern View the above photo is facing you can see into Cherokee, Thomas Ridge, Shepard Bald, Andrews Bald, Standing Indian, Fontana Lake, Cheoah Bald, the Snowbird Mountains, and High Rocks. The sight takes you into the Nantahala National Forest.  The acidity of rain and snow is 5-10 times worse than normal. It damages the trees, streams, soil, plants, and animals. The damaged Fraser Fir trees you see are actually a victim of an European insect, adelgid. It’s relative, hemlock wooly adelgid, has been killing hemlocks throughout the park.

As you move around to the Eastern View you have a view at Cherokee, Mount Pisgah, Newton Bald, Cold Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Big Cataloochee Mountain, Mount Guyot, Newfound Gap, High Top, and Balsam Point. You can also partially see Mount LeConte from this view.

From the Northern View you see into Tennessee and North Carolina. You have a view of Mount LeConte, Blanket Mountain, Cove Mountain, Bluff Mountain, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Balsam Point, High Top, Mount Goyut, and Newfound Gap.

On clear days you can 100 miles over the Smokies, but because of pollution the usual visibility is 20 miles. 

We also took a quick look down to see how high we were towering above the ground below us.

The last view we walked to was the Western View. Cheoah Bald, Snowbird Mountains, High Rocks, Shuckstack, Gregory Bald, Thunderhead Mountain, Blanket Mountain, Cove Mountain, and Cades Cove are visible from this view. You also have a view of some people making it up the trail, or going back down.

This above photo is a photo from when we traveled to Clingmans Dome in 2014. The sky was clear, but we didn’t go to the tower. This year I was determined to make it to the tower, and it was the first thing I did when in the Great Smokies.  I loved the way the tower was built with a cover on top because I have vertigo, so it kept me from becoming as faint as I usually do at high peaks.

I would say anyone can visit Clingmans Dome regardless of whether you go to the tower. The parking lot has a sidewalk around the parking so you can walk and enjoy more views. Plus there are overlooks on Clingmans Dome Road.  Clingmans Dome and the observation tower are free to visit, but donations can be made. The 7 mile road to Clingmans Dome closes from December 1st till March 31st. 

Sassafras Mountain – South Carolina and North Carolina

Length: 0.4 miles /Difficulty: Easy

After not visiting many outdoors sights for a month we were growing antsy this July, and we found a short walk to the top of Sassafras Mountain. The highest peak of South Carolina borders the North Carolina and South Carolina state line.

The area is currently under development and owned by Duke Energy. At the top of the mountain you will find an area where the trees have been removed along with other vegetation atop the mountain for a platform providing a 360 view of the surrounding area is in the plan. A tower also sits on top of the mountain. The license to Duke Energy was ranted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

A short stroll from the parking lot is an overlook. The path is gravel, but I believe anyone can access this spot.

The overlook is a great view of the surrounding mountains and lakes. It is worth it just for this view to visit.

This is one of the views from the overlook. The title photo for the blog is also a view from the same overlook.

I highly enjoyed the views at the top of the mountain. These photos were taken just before a thunderstorm poured in.

The trail to the summit is only a short walk from the boardwalk uphill. Going to the short way from the overlook to the top is well worth the almost 360 view you have of the surrounding areas.

You can see what appears to be a resort or huge home in the distant. From the view at the top you can see into 4 states, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. 

The elevation at Sassafras Mountain is 3,553 feet. There is a plaque at the top to mark the tallest peak placed August 1, 2012 when a lot more trees were at the top. It is also the marker for the state line between North Carolina and South Carolina, which was established in 1815.

There is a bench at the top to sit. It provides a nice view, and thankfully the clouds kept us shaded.

Kathleen and Steve Riddle provided funding for the bench to celebrate 40 years together. This was also done in cooperation with Highpointers.org.  The Highpointers Foundation works to educate, support, and conserve the highest point in the 50 states.

There are trails at the top of the mountain you can take from here. The Foothills Trail leads to Laurel Valley at 4.7 miles and you can walk to Oconee State Park in South Carolina at 66.5 miles.

The trails began out toward this way. We have an interest in coming back to the area to hike some of the surrounding areas.

In the area you can also hike to Table Rock State Park or Caesars Head State Park. Not far from the summit another trail leads to Chimneytop Gap.

One of my favorite overlooks onto the other mountains was of the mountain with exposed rock. It also had ridged depth providing an interesting standout from the surroundings.

The walk to the summit of the Sassafras Mountain is an easy estimated 100 yards. The views are amazing from the top, and they do show each mountain peak so far has different, beautiful views. There is a more accessible overlook before reaching the summit though that provides great views. Sassafras Mountain is free to access. Currently donations are being asked to help construct a platform.

Cheaha State Park – Highest Point in Alabama

Length: 0.5 miles Difficulty: Easy

If you follow me on Twitter you may have noticed my post regarding a petition encouraging people to support Alabama parks. The state legislature in Alabama has proposed a budget that would close 15 of 22 Alabama state parks. Several of the parks are already set to close on May 1st, 2015. Cheaha State Park is one of the parks considered for closing within the next year. We had the chance to visit Cheaha State Park earlier this year. The park holds the highest point in Alabama, and it is home to a lake.

If these parks are shut down it puts Cheaha and other parks in danger of further foresting, development, and fracking. Not only does it have potential to effect the environment, but many people will lose their jobs. To put it into perspective imagine how many people might be staffed at Cheaha? You have people running the gift shop, the restaurant, the hotel, and a lodge.  Along with people who perform housekeeping and maintenance services on the chalets and cabins. There is also a lake and other resources that need to be looked after by personnel. There might even be more positions I’m not even thinking of. On top of these crucial considerations, you have tourists and citizens who enjoy the parks. It provides a way for people to get outside and enjoy their surroundings. For people like me state parks are a huge part of exploring a state. If you have a moment at least let your voice be heard through the petition, or by contacting the governor or legislature of Alabama.

 The first time we drove through Cheaha State Park, in Delta, Alabama, it was covered by fog. That time we were headed to Cheaha Falls, but this time we were headed to the highest point. The day was beautiful, clear, crisp, and warm. I don’t think we’ve had a brighter day since this one in March.

Before arriving at the peak there is a gate to pay at. You can also pick up information in the store. The entrance fee to the park is $4 per person 12 and up, and $1 for kids 6-11. There are also options for camping or staying at the hotel, cabins, or chalets. You have the opportunity of checking out museums, geocaching, hiking trails, or biking trails as well.

The highest point in Alabama, Cheaha Mountain, is 2,401 feet. At the peak there is also what appears to be other facility buildings at the top besides the lookout tower.

If you’ve been to a highest point before you might have noticed one of these markers. This is the first time I took of photo of one because I happened to just stumble on it. This marker indicates the highest peak for the state, and when the survey was done to make it official.

There is an old bunker tower at the top that serves as a lookout. You can walk up the stairs to have an outlook from the highest peak.

The lookout was gorgeous from up there. The day was a bright, blue day with few clouds in the sky. We weren’t done exploring this just yet though. We had plans to head to the trail at Bald Rock for more outlooks.

The trail at Bald Rock is noted as being an accessible trail for those who need wheelchair access. It’s a boardwalk built all the way to an overlook at the end. You can leave the boardwalk at any point as well if you want to hike in the woods.

Along the boardwalk there are various points you can stop and learn about the people who used to work or live here. You may have noticed in stops as far as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park how pivotal the Civilian Conservation Corps were in conserving many of the natural landmarks we still enjoy today. The CCC was involved with conserving Cheaha Mountain as well by building cabins, Bald Rock Lodge, and an old trail. These jobs established by Franklin D. Roosevelt would not only help with giving millions of men jobs over time, but also making these places still around today as they were then.

Once arriving at the end of the boardwalk there are benches to sit. You also have a great outlook over other hills and towns in the surrounding area. This was the view from the platform on the boardwalk, but you can also walk down to Bald Rock.

Once arriving at the ledge you can take a seat on one of the rocks and grab some cool photos. I actually have vertigo, so you won’t find any great photos of me usually at mountain peaks.

Cheaha State Park is one of the parks I would recommend if you’re in Alabama. There is a beautiful waterfall, Cheaha Falls, not located too far outside of the park as well. There are also other recreational opportunities in the area.