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Deep Gap Trail

A dark view of Mount Mitchell State Park
Home >> Mount Mitchell State Park >> Trail >> Deep Gap Trail
PARK STATUS    

We are open.
The following facilities are CLOSED for the year:
     Campground
     Restaurant
     Restrooms at the Summit (Port-a-lets only)   
     Gift Shop and Concessions
     Museum

Yancey County Transit Authority's Hiker Transportaion will not be operating from November 20th through March 30th.
 
Overnight parking is permitted for people backcountry camping in the surrounding National Forest. Please fill out a parking pass and leave it on the dashboard of your car. Passes are located in the boxes where the overnight parking signs are at the summit parking lot. There is no overnight parking permitted at the park office.
 
Please check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly. Temperaturers have been in the 20s with the wind chill factor recently. 
 
To check Blue Ridge Parkway road closures, please visit their website at https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm#13/35.5826/-82.4749
(Mount Mitchell is located at Mile Marker 355.)

Please note that this alert is updated only when something changes.

 Last updated on: Saturday, November 27, 2021

Bear Activity at Commissary Ridge   

There was reported bear activity in the Commissary Ridge area on Saturday, October 23rd. Use extreme caution when hiking in the area. 
 

 Last updated on: Saturday, October 23, 2021

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Deep Gap Trail

View from Mount Craig on Deep Gap Trail

This 4.3-mile trail beginning at the picnic area near the summit of Mount Mitchell has spectacular vistas that are seen on clear days as one hikes this moderately to strenuously difficult trail. As it follows the crests of the Black Mountains, it crosses Mount Craig and Big Tom Mountain. Mount Craig, named for North Carolina Governor Locke Craig, is the second highest peak (6,647 feet) in eastern America. Big Tom Mountain is named for Thomas Wilson, a famous bear hunter who found Dr. Elisha Mitchell’s body after Mitchell had fallen to his death in 1857. This trail follows the Black Mountain Crest Trail, which extends 7 more miles into the Pisgah National Forest.

ALERT: Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and carry proper gear, as the high altitude makes the climate of Mount Mitchell chilly, even in summer. Beware of ice on trails.

 

Trail Location: 
Picnic area
Trail Point of Interest: 
Mount Craig and Big Tom Mountain
Trail Length: 
4.30 miles
Trail Type: 
one way
Trail Difficulty: 
strenuous hike
Trail Use: 
Hiking
Trail Surface: 
natural surface
Trail Blaze: 
orangle triangle

Map of North Carolina – Mount Mitchell State Park

Contact the park
 

828-675-4611

mount.mitchell@ncparks.gov

 

Restaurant


 

Address
 

Park office

2388 N.C. 128
Burnsville, NC 28714

GPS: 35.7528, -82.2737
 

Hours
 

► 

  • November to February:
    7:00am to 6:00pm
     
  • March to April:
    7:00am to 8:00pm
     
  • May to August:
    7:00am to 10:00pm
     
  • September to October:
    7:00am to 9:00pm
     
  • Closed Christmas Day
     

► 
 

  • November to March:
    9:00am to 5:00pm on weekdays; closed on weekends
     
  • April to October:
    9:00am to 5:00pm daily
     
  • Closed Christmas Day
     

► 

  • May to October:
    10:00am to 6:00pm
     

► 

  • The restaurant is currently closed all year for renovations.
     
  • May 3 to August 31:
    11:00am to 7:00pm
     
  • September 1 to October 31:
    11:00am to 7:00pm
     

►
 

  • May 3 to October 28:​

9:30am to 5:00pm 
 

► 
 

  • July 1 to October 31: Please call the park office several days ahead of your visit to schedule this assistance.