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Mount Mitchell High Loop
Hiking Trail
Hard
3.95 mi
1,185 ft
A classic hike to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River.
Affectionately referred to as the "High Loop," this is one of the more popular hikes to summit Mount Mitchell. Soaring high at 6,684 feet above sea level, the mountain is home to a unique ecosystem and provides incredible views of the surrounding Blue Ridge.
Stage your hike at the Old Mitchell Trailhead, and begin by hiking north on its namesake trail. Shortly into the hike, you'll be rewarded with some initial views from Hallback Mountain as the path alternates between serene meadows and southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests. Typically confined to the northern latitudes, this unique ecosystem is fragrant and picturesque, making you feel as though you've been transported into another realm.
Leaving Hallback, the trail continues its way towards Mount Mitchell, passing the state park's restaurant along the way. Skirting along the edge of the official campground, the trail makes one final push to the summit.
Atop the observation deck, enjoy the sweeping views from the highest point east of the Mississippi River. A placard denotes the official summit, and the nearby parking area makes the summit accessible by car for the less adventurous.
Instead of retracing your steps, this loop returns via the Camp Alice and Commissary Trails. The path follows an old road bed and provides a wide array of flora and fauna to complement the incredible views you've already experienced. In the summer, you may even notice fresh berries lining the trail.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Affectionately referred to as the "High Loop," this is one of the more popular hikes to summit Mount Mitchell. Soaring high at 6,684 feet above sea level, the mountain is home to a unique ecosystem and provides incredible views of the surrounding Blue Ridge.
Stage your hike at the Old Mitchell Trailhead, and begin by hiking north on its namesake trail. Shortly into the hike, you'll be rewarded with some initial views from Hallback Mountain as the path alternates between serene meadows and southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests. Typically confined to the northern latitudes, this unique ecosystem is fragrant and picturesque, making you feel as though you've been transported into another realm.
Leaving Hallback, the trail continues its way towards Mount Mitchell, passing the state park's restaurant along the way. Skirting along the edge of the official campground, the trail makes one final push to the summit.
Atop the observation deck, enjoy the sweeping views from the highest point east of the Mississippi River. A placard denotes the official summit, and the nearby parking area makes the summit accessible by car for the less adventurous.
Instead of retracing your steps, this loop returns via the Camp Alice and Commissary Trails. The path follows an old road bed and provides a wide array of flora and fauna to complement the incredible views you've already experienced. In the summer, you may even notice fresh berries lining the trail.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buncombe Horse Range Trail Climb | 0.45 mi | 187 ft | 7.7% |
| Highway 128 Climb | 0.33 mi | 164 ft | 9.2% |