N.C. 128, off Blue Ridge Pkwy, Milepost 355, Burnsville, North Carolina 828-675-4611 Located in the Black Mountains at 6,684 feet above sea level, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak in the Eastern United States. Dr. Elisha Mitchell, a University of North Carolina math professor, measured the mountain during the late 1830s and early 1840s, determining it to be the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. When his findings were challenged by North Carolina Senator Thomas Clingman, Mitchell returned to the area for another measurement, but fell to his death from a 40-foot waterfall (now called Mitchell's Falls) while scaling the mountain in 1857. Mitchell was buried atop the mountain that was officially renamed Mount Mitchell by the U.S. Geological Survey, which confirmed his findings in 1882.
In 1916, Mount Mitchell State Park was established as the first state park in North Carolina. The 1,500-acre park features a stone observation tower, five hiking trails, primitive campsites, a nature museum, restaurant, concession stand and picnic area. Mount Mitchell State Park is open daily 8 AM to 6 PM (November through February), 8 AM to 8 PM (April, May and September) and 8 AM to 9 PM (June through August). For more information about Mount Mitchell State Park, visit www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/main.php.
