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Subscribe to RSSAs we are nearing our deployment (Jeff will like that term), I thought it would be good to post detailed information for the location of the trail head and the trail route we intend to take. It sounds as if we are going to have quite a sizable group going up this year and I want to be sure we all know where to meet up and where we are going in case someone or some group should get lost.
Andrew was kind enough to find Mountain Travel Guide and they have write ups on Mount Mitchell Trail and Higgins Bald Ground Trail. Higgins Bald Trail is the trail that our mid mountain camp is located along. It actually splits off of Mount Mitchell Trail for 1.3 miles before rejoining. Nearly immediately after you cross the stream on Higgins Bald Trail is where we will camp. Pay attention to the directions to the trail head for Mount Mitchell Trail. Forest Service Rd 472 is also named Toe River Rd. The GPS coordinates for the trail head are 35.75278, -82.22139. The campground is closed in the winter, but there is parking on the left side of the road across from the campground. There is a bulletin board at another trail head on the left as well. Park there, jump the gate into the campground and follow the gravel road into the campground and turn left. Follow the gravel road about .1 – .2 of a mile to where the trail enters the woods to the right. There is a sign there.
I have provided a picture of the map that is best to use in the area. You should be able to find those at REI or other local hiking stores.
Nice Site!!! It looks like you are real familiar with the area. I am planning hike the Mt. Mitchell Trail in February, and am looking for a place to camp close to the trail head. Do you have any suggestions?
The trail head actually starts at the Black Mountain Campground. Here is the link… http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/black_mountain.pdf However, as you can see on the link, the campground is officially closed. During the past few years, that the group has been hiking and camping on Mt Mitchell, there have been other hikers/campers using the campground though.
So I guess it really falls under the “Use at your own discretion” warning.
Hope this information helps!! And please feel free to keep in touch on the site!
Thanks for the info. I located a campground near by that is open in the winter so I might stay there.
Which campground are you going to stay at? Always looking for a good place to start from.
I am planning on making the hike in march. Because I am coming from New York I was planning on making it a two day hike. I was wondering if there is camping allowed off the trail to mitchell. Thanks
I am looking at staying at the North Mills River campground. I have not been there, but I found it on the web site below. You have to scroll down about 3/4 of the way.
http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/southern/pisgcmp.htm
Matt –
The Mt Mitchell Trail is actually in two seperate areas. 1) Mt Mitchell State Park & 2) Pisgah National Forest. While in the state park you can only camp in the designated campground. However in the national forest you can camp at any location along the trail, and it is listed as leave no trace camping.
Chris –
Thanks for the link! That is a great site, I was looking through the campgrounds and the few that I have been to on that list are portrayed very accurately.