About
Location :
Added by Jopie, at 26 March 2017
Opening Hours
- Monday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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13 Reviews
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21 November 2017
A wonderful park! I have now hiked to the top twice from the ranger station, and it has been a fantastic trip each time. The first was magical, as it started to snow about half way up. Much of the trek makes you feel as if you are walking through scenes of a movie. The park is free to enter, and there is a restaurant open certain times of the year. In the winter be sure to call ahead to find out whether or not the park is open as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway as these often close due to inclement weather.
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18 November 2017
Would love to camp here sometime. Well worth the drive and short hike to the top to the observation tower. Get ready for some amazing views of these amazingly beautiful mountains. The hike to the tower is mostly sidewalk and is only about 900 yardshowever, it's all uphill to get there. Good news is that it's all downhill on the return.
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08 November 2017
It was me first snow experience ever and it was MAGICAL! It was cloudy the first one I went, so I definitely recommend checking the mountain's weather.
The little cafe they have before walking to the observatory has the best vanilla coffee and the fella making it was super nice and helpful!response / report this review -
28 October 2017
Highest point on the Parkway. They have a big parking lot and a gift shop, museum and snack bar. They close promptly at 6 pm! If you're cold, you've got to get the hot cider! The have hot chocolate, but the cider is better. There's other snacks. The restrooms are fairly clean, but down a flight of stairs. Didn't see a handicap entrance to them. It's a moderate walk up a paved, but steep trail to the top. There is a viewing platform at the top. The sunsets, on a clear day, are amazing. Not really too crowded and we went in prime leaf season in October.
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20 October 2017
Excellent stop if you are visiting parkway. Definitely get a cup of one of the hot drinks offered at the shop. For 1$ you get to enjoy the views while sipping hot drink. A must see location, plus restrooms with water and great picnic area with grills.
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12 October 2017
We camped at camp site 1 and the location and facilities were great. There is access to well water, a beer box and toilets. Our camp site was the closest to parking but was the most isolated. Campsite 6 looked like it had the best view and camp 4 is right next to the bathrooms. Lots of hiking trails! The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. You can buy firewood for 5 dollars. Also the restaurant on the mountain was delicious, highly recommend the veggie chilli.
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26 September 2017
Steep but very short trail to the top. Stayed for sunset and it was amazing. Pet friendly. A lot of other small trails nearby to explore with neat features. Didn't have time to check out the restaurant but I may have to next time!
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20 September 2017
Absolutely stunning. Views for miles. Camped out on a clear night during a new moon Not only could we stars than we could ever hope to count, but we saw meteorites and satellites as well.
Camp sites are well maintained with access to well water and flushable toilets. Next time out, we'll probably end up at one of the primitive sites. The hike to the peak was on the strenuous side, but ended through a gorgeous Alpine Forest.response / report this review -
20 June 2017
We did not get to explore around the park because there were THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of tiny little orange/yellow little bugs that bit everywhere!! It was terrible. We ran and fast walked up to the top and took pictures and left. The park looked clean and well maintained. The restroom was clean but beyond that I don't know what the park had to offer. These little bugs were just flying around being so annoying they ruined our visit.
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13 June 2017
Beautiful views. We got up there early and saw the sunrise. It also means we beat the crowds. Even in June it was 53 deg. on top of that mountain so bring your coffee and a good jacket. Wonderful trails for all levels of hiking. The rangers can help point you to which one will best suit the type of hike you would like to take.
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23 May 2017
Mt. Mitchell has beautiful vistas and gorgeous trails. My favorite trail is the balsam trail. It is a short trail but the scent of the balsam trees and the cool breeze blowing through the trees makes it a peaceful walk in the woods.
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21 April 2017
Very cool place. Luckily we went during the slow season as I understand that it can get crazy busy during the summer months.
The rangers are fantastically friendly and informative. At the peak, there is a two tiered parking area. You can walk up a paved path or you can take a 3/4 mile "nature walk" where there are rocks and roots to climb over.
The view at the top is incredible. Unfortunately, we went when there was some smoke in the air but nonetheless, great views.
The drive up is quite pretty too. Be cautious, the rangers are really strict about adhering to the speed limit. (At the time of this review, the limit is 25mph)response / report this review -
02 April 2017
It's been a long time since our last visit (15 years). They tore down the old tower and now have a wheelchair accessible one. Plus the walking path to the tower is wheelchair accessible. I don't know much about wheelchair use, but if you use one, you may need help up the hill. I was told the store and welcome center is not open until Memorial Day because they can still get a lot of snow there in April. I couldn't find a open restroom. Closest one I found on April 1st was a portable toilet at Craggy Gardens visitor center. On a clear day the views are outstanding, but you can end up in the clouds. Then you just enjoy each other's company.
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