Hike Mount Mitchell via Higgins Bald Pisgah National Forest, NC

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Mount Mitchell via Higgins Bald GPX Track

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May 23, 2016 — Although you can drive up to Mount Mitchell and take in the views, getting to the highest point east of the Mississippi River of course deserves a hike. The Blue Ridge Mountains are extra pretty at this relatively high and uncommon elevation, especially when coming from a few thousand feet lower and the change in vegetation is apparent the higher I went. I started at the Black Mountain Campground and took the Mount Mitchell Trail.

Along the way, in order to form a small loop I left the Mount Mitchell Trail to hike along the Higgins Bald Trail, which rejoined the Mount Mitchell Trail as I made my way to the summit. The terrain became more mossy and the trail switchbacked along the southeast ridge of Mount Mitchell before reaching the noisy summit area.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Mount Mitchell

6684 ft

6089 rise

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Looking back after starting along the Mount Mitchell Trail

Ascending the Mount Mitchell Trail.

To form a small loop, I left the Mount Mitchell Trail to hike along the Higgins Bald Trail. This is a cut in the forest made for power lines.

I think this is Higgins Bald, but I'm not totally sure.

Along the Mount Mitchell Trail.

Mount Mitchell.

Mount Mitchell, view toward the drive-up road.

Mount Mitchell's popular summit area.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!