Mt Mitchell next weekend?

[Caveman of Ohio]

I am heading down south this coming weekend and want to hit Mt Mitchell. Anyone want to meet up Friday night to camp than hike in the the morning? I was going to try to stay at Black Mountain campground but I heard I may need 4 wheel drive to reach the site. Also I need to hit a Rei to rent some snowshoes.

[Ashevillian]

I believe you will have a hard time getting to Mt. Mitchell. The Parkway is closed 10 miles north of Asheville. I'm not sure about south bound, but would assume it’s closed too. The Old Fort way up the Curtis Creek Valley, even in nice weather it’s 4x4 most of the time.

[Ashevillian]

Also, I don’t know whether it is BS or not but I’ve heard Mt. Mitchell has gotten almost 80 inches of snow this winter. I can see the Black Mountain range on my way home from work; all of it is definitely snowcapped heavily.

[Caveman of Ohio]

thanks for the info.

[Ashevillian]

You from Ashtabula? I grew for a bit and lived in Fairview PA during high school years, used to go to Conneaut and Ashtabula when the drinking age was 18, maybe a few years before your time.

[Caveman of Ohio]

yes I am from Ashtabula

[Tennessee Viking]

Here is the latest info...
Blue Ridge Parkway Road Closures and Camping info ... details ±
1/28/2011 The Blue Ridge Parkway from the junction of NC 80 and then south to Mount Mitchell is closed due to snow and ice.
Weather update, 1300 hrs- Current temperature is 22 degrees, cloudy with winds gusting up to 40 mph. There is a total of 23" of snow on the ground. The year to date total of snow is 113"; the average is 110".


Effective November 1st Blue Ridge Parkway road closures due to construction are in effect south of Asheville, North Carolina and North of Boone, North Carolina. Road closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Mt. Mitchell area occur due to winter weather often November through April. Contact the Blue Ridge Parkway automated road closure information line at(828) 298-0398 or visit www.nps.gov/blri/ before planning a trip to Mt. Mitchell in the winter months.
The tent camping area has begun winter operations--bring your own water, porta-jons available. Reservations are not recommended Nov.-April due to possible road closures related to snow and ice

[Grits]

From the Mt Mitchell weather station near the top of the mtn.
1/28/2011 The Blue Ridge Parkway from the junction of NC 80 and then south to Mount Mitchell is closed due to snow and ice.
Weather update, 1300 hrs- Current temperature is 22 degrees, cloudy with winds gusting up to 40 mph. There is a total of 23" of snow on the ground. The year to date total of snow is 113"; the average is 110". current temp is 6 deg and winds last week topped 100 mph on Grandfather Mtn so I guess it hit that at Mt Mitchell too.
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/conditions.php

More snow and ice is expected this coming week.
http://burnsvilleweather.com/Forecast/Burnsville+(Hawk+Branch)

keep up with the links and have a great hike.

[hillsidedigger]

Since you know about Black Mountain campground you likely know that NC Highway 80 from Marion or Burnsville will take you to South Toe River Road and the level 3 miles at 3300', very little snow, to the campground.

[10-K]

I'll be very interested to know how this turned out.

[endubyu]

Are there any trails that connect Mt Mitchell to the AT

[Grits]

Yes; You would take the Mountains to Sea Trail west to Clingmans Dome.

[endubyu]

Thx Grits. I didn't give you enough info tho. I need to get to the AT WITHOUT going into the GSMNP so was hoping there was a connection to the AT north of the park.

[Grits]

It is not far about an hours drive from Black Mtn Campground to Spiveys Gap going N on 80 to 19E to Celo then west on 19E thru Burnsville then turn right on Hwy 19W to Spiveys Gap.
Another route is just take 19E to Mars Hill then 23/26 towards Erwin to Sams Gap.

[Tennessee Viking]

You can walk the Black Mountain Crest trail down to the roads near Burnsville. From there take US 19&19W to Spivey Gap. Sams Gap is probably the easiest trailhead to access.

[endubyu]

Thank you for the suggestions - very much appreciated

[Creek Dancer]

Anybody been to Mount Mitchell State Park recently? Conditions? Advice? Good backcountry camping spots?

[Tennessee Viking]

http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/main.php

The MM campground is year round

There is also USFS Black Mtn campground. Check for the MST guide books for campsite info on the that trail.

Deep Gap used to have a shelter. Thats probably your best campsite on the Crest Trail.

[Goldilocks&2bears]

I was wondering a couple of things about hiking Mt. Mitchell (starting from the campground)

1. About how many hours will the hike take (average legs, one way trip)?
2. Any water sources?
3. Any transportation options for getting back to the campground or is it manageable to make the roundtrip in a day?

Thanks very much.