Mount Mitchell State Park

The park is currently open, accessible from NC Hwy 80 Marion/Burnsville. The park phone lines have been damaged during a previous storm. If you have inquiries about the park, please email the park at Mount.Mitchell@ncparks.gov.
Last updated on: Thursday, February 21, 2019Mount Mitchell State Park
One of those places that stand apart from the ordinary, Mount Mitchell’s dramatic summit is the highest point east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet and was inspiration for one of the nation’s first state parks. From its easily accessible observation deck, the spruce-fir forest of Mount Mitchell State Park leads the eye to unmatched views. A museum explains the mountain’s cultural and natural history, and its trail network allows visitors to explore up close, offering short hikes near the summit and challenging treks leading to adjacent wilderness areas. A nine-site tent campground is open in warm-weather months, and backpacking opportunities abound, including entry onto the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. A concession area and a full-service restaurant serve visitors from May to October.
Campers and hikers, please read the Bear Advisory.
⇒ ATTENTION: VISITORS
**Please note that temperature at the top of Mount Mitchell are often several degrees colder than the town of Burnsville. For the current temperature at the top of the mountain, please visit the North Carolina High Peaks Trail Association's weather station website.
Mount Mitchell State Park
November - February: 7am - 6pm
March, April: - 7am - 8pm
September, October: 7am - 9pm
May - August: 7am - 10pm
Closed Christmas Day
Park Office Hours:
8am - 5pm Monday - Sunday, April - October
8am - 5pm Monday - Friday, November - March
Museum Hours
May - October: 10am - 6pm
Restaurant Hours:
Ph 828-675-1024
May 1 - August 31, 10am - 8pm daily
September 1 - October 31, 10am - 7pm daily
Concession Stand / Gift Shop:
May - October, 10am - 6pm Thursday through Monday