Mt. Mitchell Is The Highest Peak East Of The Mississippi

Mt. Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. This beautiful natural mountain is located in the Mount Mitchell State Park. The park consists of 1,855 acres of lush forests, misty covered mountains, and the eloquent splendor of native plants and wildflowers. The State Park is located in Yancey County in Burnsville, North Carolina. It is around 33 miles north of Asheville off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mount Mitchell elevation peaks at 6,684 feet, and is part of the Black Mountain range. You can enter the state park and drive through spectacular scenery to reach the summit parking lot. There are trails leading from the parking area. One trail will take you to the observation tower. The observation tower is a wonderful place to view in the distant Mt. Pisgah National Forest. Trails range from easy to strenuous and anyone walking the trails, should first check in at the ranger station. The rangers are a wonderful group of professional men and woman and provide many learning opportunities for teachers, students, organizations and families. There is also a gift shop and restaurant available to the public. Camping can be done in designated areas. Another highlight in this area is the Exhibit Hall.There is history and information on the natural beauty of the Black Mountains and Mt. Mitchell.

The Black Mountains are notorious for the fog that sits on the the different mountains many days of the week. On a clear day the beauty that is seen can be indescribable. When the mist and fog sets in, one is surrounded by a feeling of mystery and wonder. There is also natural habitat that lives in this gorgeous area. It is not uncommon to see white-tailed deer, many different bird species, black bear, and occasionally a fox or two. The weather can change very rapidly on the different peaks and throughout the hiking trails. Being in North Carolina, one would think the summers are warm, not necessary at Mount Mitchell. Cool days and chilly nights are not uncommon throughout the summertime. The winters can be rough and snow, ice and high winds can become prevalent on the peaks. Many of the peaks in this area are over six thousand feet. Mount Craig is 6,663, Big Tom is 6,580, and Mt. Gibbs is 6,571.

One of the most enticing aspects of this area is the natural plant specimens that mingle throughout the trails and mountains. Rhododendrons are in masses during the summer months throughout this area. Fraiser Firs glow on the peaks, and wildflowers are spotted along trails, creeks, and natural rocks. My photographer likes to try and shoot some different shots. Below are sixteen photos that I hope you will enjoy. Take the time to also look at photography of natural landscape, as there are a couple of pictures of Mt. Mitchell.

View Of Black Mountains

Variety Of Natural Specimens

Trees Surrounding Mountains

Sun's Reflection On Trees

Natural Beauty Of The Mountains

Natural Rocks Along The Mountains

Fog Rolling In

Native Mountain Flowers

Bees Enjoying The Native Flowers

Dead Trees On Mountains

Big Tom

Mount Craig

Natural Foliage

Native Specimens On Rocks

Brown Wild Mushroom

Orange-Red Wild Mushroom

Mount Michell and the surrounding State Park has so much to offer its visitors. Unfortunately over the years, nature has taken its course, as well as infestation of certain insects. Some tree specimens are dead, or dying and this is also caused by air pollution and acid rain. Mount Mitchell State Park and other Parks in the area still hold abundant beauty in thousands of acres of natural wilderness. People that visit the parks and other natural wonders respect the spectacular, yet tranquil scenery. I hope you have enjoyed seeing a little bit of the highest peak east of the Mississippi!

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