Update on Mt Mitchell for Charlotte weekend trips (Brevard, Marion: 2009, camping)

[nchiker]

I thought Charlotte folks might be interested in knowing that the new tower on Mt. Mitchell is finally completed and open to the public. I know it's been closed for quite a while so this is certainly good news for those of us who like to head up that way from time to time!

[mullman]

Excellent, thanks for the update!
Was thinking of heading up for lunch in a few weeks.

FWIW, Here is an old shot of a WBTV crew there in the 70s.
Check the sweet ghostbuster-esque backpack camera!

[thebalogas]

For those of us new to the area, what is Mt. Mitchell and what is it about?
Thanks

[Doorway]

What/where is it? It looks like a nice overlook from Mullmans pic.

[mullman]

Originally Posted by thebalogas

For those of us new to the area, what is Mt. Mitchell and what is it about?
Thanks

It is the tallest point on the East Coast south of Canada.

N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation: - Welcome to Mount Mitchell State Park

There is a restaurant (built in the 60s) at the top which is pretty good and has an amazing view.




I shot this out the window while eating homemade meatloaf and veggies:

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by nchiker

I thought Charlotte folks might be interested in knowing that the new tower on Mt. Mitchell is finally completed and open to the public. I know it's been closed for quite a while so this is certainly good news for those of us who like to head up that way from time to time!

When was it opened??? I was told in October it wouldn't be until October 2009!! This is great news

[nchiker]

Mt. Mitchell is part of a North Carolina State Park that borders on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is also surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, so there is lots of undeveloped (and beautiful) mountains around the park.

What makes Mt. Mitchell unique is that it is the highest mountain in Eastern North America at 6684 feet. It's climate is much more like Maine or southern Canada and is quite different from other areas in the South.

Well worth the trip, in my opinion. Lots of great hiking and camping options.

[Doorway]

Sounds beautiful. Thanks for the pics. I'll put that on our list for when it warms up a little bit

[thebalogas]

Very pretty view, reminds me of being in WV. I know where the Pisgah Forest is in Brevard, is that how you get there? How pricey is the restaurant and what is the atmosphere?

[lovesMountains]

Originally Posted by thebalogas

Very pretty view, reminds me of being in WV. I know where the Pisgah Forest is in Brevard, is that how you get there? How pricey is the restaurant and what is the atmosphere?

The restaurant is not expensive but all food is pretty fresh and tasty. It's a family lodge type atmosphere - not intimate and romantic, but fun

The Pisgah is huge - you don't get to Mt. Mitchell by Brevard unless you are already in Brevard. Coming from Charlotte you get off of I40 near Marion - there's a great route up hwy 80 that will curl your toes!