Mount Mitchell State Park
Burnsville, NC
At 6,684 feet the highest summit east of the Mississippi, with a road from Parkway milepost 355 to a lot near the top and a short paved path to the observation deck. Free; often cold, windy and in cloud.
Mount Mitchell State Park lies in Yancey County, North Carolina, about 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Asheville. At 6,684 feet (2,037 m) the summit is the highest point east of the Mississippi. The park was the start of North Carolina's state park system. On a clear day the observation deck gives wide views over the mountains.
The park can be reached only from the Asheville side of the Blue Ridge Parkway; according to the park's website the Parkway is closed north of the park (the page gives no date). There is no gas station between Asheville and the park. Winter closures are frequent and can be prolonged, because the Parkway closes sections when icy. The park is closed on 25 December.
The Old Mitchell Trail is partially closed, the restaurant is listed as closed for the year, and the concession stand's hours are given inconsistently. Conditions can change: check the status beforehand and pack warm clothing.
- Nearest town
- Burnsville, NC
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 35.7650, -82.2650
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Black Mountain CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Mount Mitchell State Park
- Carolina Hemlocks Recreation AreaCampsite4 mi from Mount Mitchell State Park
- French Broad River CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Mount Mitchell State ParkTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Creekside Mountain CampingCampsite21 mi from Mount Mitchell State Park
- Buck Hill CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Mount Mitchell State Park
- Wilson's Riverfront RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Mount Mitchell State ParkMotorhomes
All campsites in North Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mount Mitchell State Park?
Mount Mitchell State Park is in Burnsville, NC, at GPS 35.7650, -82.2650. It is about 20 mi from Asheville.
Can you camp near Mount Mitchell State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Mount Mitchell Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 51 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Mount Mitchell State Park?
Mount Mitchell State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Blue Ridge Parkway high peaks: Mount Mitchell to Blowing Rock.
What is there to see near Mount Mitchell State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Craggy Gardens (8 mi), Biltmore Estate (22 mi), Chimney Rock State Park (23 mi) and Linville Falls (23 mi).
When is the best time to visit Mount Mitchell State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)