Mount Mitchell State Park
Just outside of Asheville
is Mount Mitchell State Park, where Mt. Mitchell
reigns as the highest point east of the Mississippi.
The 1,700 acre protected area is the result of an effort
led by Governor Locke Craig in 1916, making it the very
first State Park in North Carolina. Mt. Mitchell is home
to 91 species of birds, many of which are more characteristic
of New England and Canada than NC. Also found here are several
endangered and threatened animals like the northern flying
squirrel, the long tailed shrew and the saw whet owl. Other
animals seen in the park include black bears, deer mice,
grey foxes and white tailed deer.
Mt. Mitchell State Park has 18 miles of hiking trails,
a concession stand, a restaurant, an observation tower,
a nature museum and restrooms. There are also areas for
picnicking and camping.
Location: 2388 State Highway 128, Burnsville, NC 28714
Call: (828) 675-4611
Cold Morning View from Mount Mitchell
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