Mount Mitchell

Mount Mitchell, NC towers above the valleys resting below Little Switzerland and provides endless outdoor recreation opportunities, especially at Mt. Mitchell State Park. The highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains, Mount Mitchell rises to 6,684 feet above sea level.

Visitors and hiking enthusiasts from all over the world have visited Mt. Mitchell to enjoy the abundant Mount Mitchell Hiking trails and its seasonal beauty. Excellent rock climbing, picnicking and the observation platform at the summit are also popular with visitors.

In 1835, Dr. Elisha Mitchell, an educator at the University of North Carolina, calculated the summit’s elevation and determined that it was indeed one of the tallest mountains in the Eastern United States. Since this time researchers have determined it is THE tallest peak in the Appalachian Mountain range and the eastern part of the United States.

Bring a jacket, the temperatures at Mt. Mitchell State Park are usually 10 to 30 degress cooler than the valleys below and thunderstorms are common. May to October the restaurant, exhibit hall and gift shop are open.

Most vacationers do not climb to the Mt. Mitchell summit during the winter months, however a few adventurers do, as the winter season provides the best and clearest views of the neighboring mountain ranges and valleys. For winter visits to Mt. Mitchell, take the Blue Ridge Parkway south from NC Highway 80, which is always open. Blue Ridge Parkway routes are closed in the winter months.

Switzerland Inn is the nearest hotel to Mt. Mitchell. A charming North Carolina Mountain Inn located right on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Switzerland Inn offers the very best in Blue Ridge Parkway Lodging. The Inn is central to most North Carolina Mountain Vacation Attractions, family activities and things to do in the North Carolina Mountains. Visit us for a great NC Mountain Vacation or weekend get-away!