No place in North Carolina experiences extreme weather swings beginning in the fall season quite like Mount Mitchell. As the highest peak east of the Mississippi, It’s not unusual for the snow to begin to fly as early as late October or early in November. And when that snow gets too bad, parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway are shut down, making it difficult to gain access to Mount Mitchell State Park, whose main entrance intersects the Parkway.
Even with limited access during the winter months, Mount Mitchell State Park sees nearly a half million visitors each year who are eager to hike the main 0.4-mile paved trail up to the lookout tower.
From the peak, visitors can see 360-degree views of the surrounding terrain.
But in addition to the high-trafficked Summit Trail, the park is also home to six other trails ranging from easy to the most difficult (only for seriously experienced hikers).
One of them, the Deep Gap Trail, traverses the ridge line of the Black Mountains, keeping hikers well-elevated for views that have the power to take the breath away.
The Deep Gap Trail is 4.3 miles each way for a total hike of 8.6 miles. AllTrails.com estimates the total hike time, out and back, at just over five hours.
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Note, this particular Mount Mitchell trail is rated as "hard" and should not be attempted by novice hikers unless you have an experienced hiker along in your hiking party.
Part of the boasting rights for hiking the Deep Gap Trail are that it begins on the highest peak east of the Mississippi (Mount Mitchell, of course) - and then crosses the second highest peak at Mount Craig.
you'll cross a great big, Deep Gap — thus, the name for the trail. Before you turn around to return back to the start, you'll cross another high peak in the Black Mountain range at Big Tom Mountain (elevation, 6,581 feet).
Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for this plane crash (one of many planes that have crashed into Mount Mitchell over the years).
The history behind this crash eludes us, but the site still deserves a few moments of silence to mark the spot of this tragic event.
Some folks who are comfortable with camping in these high elevations bring the gear and spend the night. You won't run out of places with views you'll want to wake up to.
Just please remember that the weather atop these high peaks can turn dangerous on a dime.
Be sure to bring your bear spray as some hikers have reported spotting a bear or two along this trail. And before you embark on this more than five-hour hike, be sure to let someone at home base know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Be sure to get this hike on your agenda before the end of October to avoid hitting any inclement weather that might make gaining access to the trailhead difficult or cause you to press pause on the hike due to snowy conditions.
Learn more about this fantastic trail that has views that go on forever by visiting our friends at AllTrails.com!
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