Stunning, Intriguing, Captivating, fascinating, Majestic, Lonesome, with a sense of danger, Mt. Mitchell.This is the tallest mountain in all of eastern North America standing at 6,684' feet. Mount Mitchell State Park is located in Yancey County, 33 miles north of Asheville, North Carolina off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker #355 in the Black Mountains.The elevation is so high that posion Ivy, oak does not grow. Fleas, ticks and mosquitos do not exist, even in the summer. no poisonous snakes at this elevation 6,684'. The most diverse population of wild plants and animals that you will find anywhere in North America. Northern flying squirrels and saw-whet owls are sometimes seen, as are white-tailed deer, blackbear, bobcat, gray fox, coyotes. Mitchell's alpine environment hosts some birds more characteristic of New England and Canada, including winter wrens, slate-colored juncos, red crossbills and golden-crowned kinglets. For all you non-hikers, you can drive to the top and walk up to the observation tower If you go to Mt. Mitchell, make sure you dress for cold damp weather because eight out of ten days are cloudy ( in the clouds) and windy, even in the summer. I have a video of the weather on this web site and also new pictures of Mt. Mitchell.The climate of the Black Mountains is more like that of Canada than North Carolina. Extremely cold temperatures during the Pleistocene Era allowed the plants and animals of more northern latitudes to extend their ranges to the south, but as warmer climates returned, these cold-adapted species became restricted to the highest peaks. Therefore, many of the plants and animals of Mount Mitchell are much like those native to more northern alpine environments. The summit of Mt. Mitchell is not a place I would like to live even though very few people do live here, they also work here as park rangers and restaurant helpers etc. The restaurant has great scenic views and the food is good and prices are not bad. Near the summit parking lot is an interpretive center where exhibits offer interesting information about the park's history and depict mountain forests, geology and wildlife. A big concession stand and gift shop, adjacent to the summit parking lot, is open daily from May through October. Light snacks, crafts and books may be purchased here. Restrooms are also available but no hot water on the mountain. You can camp here in a small 9 tent campground for 9$ night 8-25-04. But remember, there are no showers for the public on the mountain and also no power for tents. Only tent camping is allowed. Each site is equipped with a grill and picnic table.Campsites are available on a first-come basis but not too many people want to stay the night in a tent, in this environment. If the camp site is full you can go north on the blue ridge parkway 2 miles from Mt. Mitchell to mile post 352, turn LEFT onto a dirt road and camp where you see tent markers, it's free and it has no name , no people and it has a great stream. Or you can camp 15 miles away north of Mt. Mitchell on the parkway at Crabtree Meadows campground for 16$ a night rv and tents but no water or electric and no hot showers. You could also hike from Black Mountain Campground Burnsville, NC. 3,500 Feet, a steep uphill 5-mile walk through thick forest to the summit of Mt.Mitchell 6,684'. For a hot shower you can go stay in Asheville 30 miles away from Mt. Mitchell. Asheville has lots of motels and campgrounds with hot showers. Experience the enchantments of nature in the peace of the wilderness.
