The Commissary Ridge dispersed camping area remains in Pisgah National Forest remains closed until further notice due to increased bear activity. For the most up-to-date information:
Visit the U.S. Forest Service website
Bear Awareness
Foraging bears have been active and sometimes aggressive at the Commissary Ridge backcountry camping area. Black bears have also been active in and around the park.
Campers
If you are camping at Mount Mitchell State Park or the surrounding area, bear-resistant food canisters or storage sacks are highly advised. Otherwise, food must be hung correctly at least 150 feet away your tent. Food bags should hang 5 feet below the branch, 5 feet from the tree truck, and be at least 10 feet off the ground. Bears can and will climb trees and can easily reach food bags suspended at heights under 10 feet.
You must secure all food, trash, and any items that might smell like food to a bear (including, but not limited to: toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, cosmetics, pet food, cooking and cleaning supplies, and stove fuel). At the campground inside Mount Mitchell State Park, there is a bear-proof storage container provided at each campsite. Please use this container to store all of these items.
Failure to behave properly and comply with these guidelines places you and your fellow visitors at risk for property damage and severe personal injury.
All Visitors
Never feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to human food and lose their fear of people become at risk.
If you are approached by a bear, slowly back away while yelling loudly and waving your arms. Maintain eye contact with the bear. Do not turn around or run. Throwing rocks or waving sticks may be necessary if the bear follows you. Act aggressively and fight back if the bear attacks.
Photo by K. Bischof: Black bear paw print on the ground, with notebook for size comparison, at Mount Mitchell State Park.