Road Trip to Mount Mitchell

Just a short drive off the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Burnsville, North Carolina, stands Mount Mitchell. Mount Mitchell, at 6,684 ft in altitude, is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Walking to the observation deck from the parking lot on the paved trail is a bit strenuous, if you are out of shape, but just remember it is downhill on the way back. The views from the summit can be spectacular on a clear day. Elisha Mitchell, credited with first measuring the height of the summit, is entombed here. We were a bit early on our latest stop here as the gift shop and restaurant are only open between May and October. We still enjoyed our trip.