67 Facts About The Tallest Mountain On The East Coast

Mount Mitchell, located in the Black Mountain Range, which in itself is over a few hundred million years old.

The Black Mountain Range is a subrange of the Appalachian mountains which stretch all the way from the east to the northeast of northern America. Mount Mitchell is located within Mount Mitchell State Park at a distance of approximately 19 mi (31 km) from Ashville towards the northeast.

It was the Cherokee people who were the indigenous dwellers of this land, and they referred to Mount Mitchell as Attakulla, but it was the European-American settlers who changed its name to Mount Mitchell.

Prior to it being named Mount Mitchell it was called as Black Dome owing to the shape of the mountain. It was eventually named Mount Mitchell in the memory of professor, Elisha Mitchell who was the first person to explore this region of Black Mountain in 1835.

Unfortunately, Elisha Mitchell died in 1857 near Mitchell Falls.

His calculations had predicted Mount Mitchell to be taller than Mount Washington and that the height of the former is 6,672 ft (2,034 m). However, the tallest peak in the northeast is Mount Washington.

Keeping in mind that these calculations were made in the mid-19th century, you will be astonished to know that he had miscalculated by only 12 ft (3.7 m).

A large number of people visit Mount Mitchell, the tallest summit on the east of the Mississippi River every year owing to the fact that it is not very far from Ashville, merely a 50-minute drive. Additionally, the drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is absolutely breathtaking.

It is among North Carolina's primary attractions being the highest point on the East Coast, and thus, attracts a vast number of hikers who try to reach the summit of this peak.

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Fun Facts About The Tallest Mountain On The East Coast

You might have seen your relatives or peers traveling to Mount Mitchell in North Carolina with enthusiasm especially because of the drive along Blue Ridge Parkway. Well, do not be stunned as this highway was recently voted as one of the best scenic highways in the country.

One can get a panoramic view of the Appalachian Trail from the drive up the highway.

Being the highest peak in the region, it can be comfortably seen from some considerable distance as well. Unlike most of the other high peaks, hiking on this mountain thousands of feet above sea level provides an experience different from all the other ones the hikers have arguably had.

Interestingly, you do not necessarily need to go on this trail on your foot as one can reach the top of Mt Mitchell even in their car!

Alternatively, people can hike halfway as well after parking their vehicle near the top. Those who love hiking and climbing the mountains for fun would obviously prefer completing the trail entirely on foot.

Geographical Facts About Mount Mitchell

Mt Mitchell is one of the highest peaks in the US and is the highest point on the East Coast of the country. The summit lies in the Black Mountain Range which is a subpart of the Appalachian Trail. Mt Mitchell is located in North Carolina, Yancey County, within the Mount Mitchell State Park.

The peaks of the entire mountain range and especially Mt Mitchell are covered with pine, spruce, and balsam as this peak also lies within the Pisgah National Forest.

In fact, almost the entire Black Mountain Range is covered with soil and trees except for some parts which are rocky, and the reason behind this is that the black mountains are not subject to glaciation.

So anyone living near the banks of the Mississippi River, especially on the eastern side, can go for a hike up Mt Mitchell at any moment they feel like.

At the same time, from an elevation of 6,684 ft (2037 m), the views are mesmerizing and you will know that the climb up the mountains was worth it.

An alternative to Mt Mitchell is Mount Craig which is the second-highest mountain on the east of the Mississippi River at a height of 6,647 ft (2,026 m).

Facts About Climbing Mount Mitchell

Although the hiking experience on Mount Mitchell is one of its kind, it is not the toughest summit to reach in this region in North Carolina. The sharp rise in elevation of this mountain attracts a number of people for taking up the hiking challenge on this mountain.

Being the highest point on the east of the Mississippi River, reaching the summit is quite prestigious.

The total trail gains a height of 3,600 ft (1,097 m) in a distance of 5.5 mi (8.9 km). Now, as the elevation of the mountain increase, there is a change in the flora of the mountain as well.

When you begin your trail to the summit, you will find cove hardwoods near the base of the mountain, and as you gradually move up, you will find mixed hardwoods.

Ultimately, as you reach the top of the summit, you will find Fraser fir and red spruce. The trail usually begins at a height of 3,000 ft (914 m) where the base camp for the summit is situated.

Mount Mitchell signifies the highest point of North Carolina and also the highest point of the United States on the east of the Mississippi River. The tourists in general and the hikers, in particular, are attracted to this mountain for its height significance.

At an elevation of 6,684 ft (2037 m), Mount Mitchell is also the highest point of the Black Mountains. Now, the increase in elevation of Mt Mitchell at some points is drastic and at times becomes a challenge for the hikers.

The mountain gains an elevation of 3,600 ft (1,097 m) in merely 5.5 mi (8.9 km) of distance. Mt Craig, Mount Gibbes, Mt Guyot are some of the other mountain peaks in North Carolina which have an elevation of more than 6,500 ft (1,981 m).

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