Saturday June 23, 2018, my friend Tammy and I, in the good company of my mom, headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway to tackle the trail up to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. We took 2 vehicles from home base and rolled over 26 toward Asheville, exiting to hit the Parkway via Burnsville, North Carolina.
Mt Mitchell State Park is a beautiful little park at the top of the world. We exited our vehicles on this muggy, hot June day to be hit by a blast of cold air. The temperature was near 50 and the wind was blowing a steady breeze that chilled exposed skin and drove us towards the gift shop.
After scoping out the gift shop we walked up the paved path to the observation tower at the summit. The climb got the blood pumping and warmed us up. We took advantage of photo ops then did the .6 mile Balsam Nature Trail. It was a challenge for Mom and the perfect length to let her experience the unique eco system that exists at this altitude.
Mom then shuttled us down the mountain to Black Mountain Campground along the Toe River. We gathered our backpacks, water and walking poles then stepped out into June, the heat and humidity reminding us Summer has indeed begun.
We crossed the bridge and skirted the Campground following signs and blue blazes to the Trailhead. It wasted no time becoming vertical. The climb starts at the Trailhead and ends at the Summit. Blue blazes mark the well traveled trail. Mt. Mitchell Trail climbs through hardwood forest teeming with plant life. We were passed again and again by hikers returning from the summit having done the in and out version of our one way hike. Hikers of all age and persuasion passed us. We got a relatively late start due to the time we spent exploring with Mom.
Being only a day or so past the summer solstice daylight was not an issue. We started our climb at 1:22 PM. As we climbed we noted the changes in terrain and vegetation. This trail is rocky, rooted, and inclined. Footing can be treacherous with rocks slipping underfoot and roots seeming to shift underfoot to trap an unwary toe. Hiking poles and my beloved Iron Wood walking stick were ankle savers as extra points of contact helped balance. The Hike is a total body workout as trekking poles or walking sticks help stabilize, balance and pull one up uneven terrain. Many times I set my stick lifted my leg set my foot then pushed and pulled my body up and over obstacles.
At the trail intersection with Higgens Bald we stopped and considered our route forward. A fellow hiker familiar with the trails recommended we stay on Mt. Mitchell for our first ascension. It has been my experience that fellow hikers are generous kind souls willing to share everything from experiences to supplies if they perceive a need.
The trail began to show us differences in flora and fauna and the temperature became cooler. We stopped and rested at a campsite and the sweat on our backs chilled us as we sat with backpacks at our sides letting us know we were gaining altitude. On the trail again we passed couples, family groups and youth groups on our climb. We traded are we close yet jokes with those descending as we traversed the half way point. Averaging a little less than a mile an hour, it was slow going.
Tammy lamented the lack of signs or mile markers as we rested in one of the cleared power line right of ways we climbed through. These openings provided views of the distant valleys and far away peaks. Not long after our break, we came to a confluence of trails and there was our sign. We were still 1.6 miles from our goal. With a deep breath and determination we began the last leg of our climb entering the highlands dominated by evergreens. When the wind blew just right the sweet smell of the balsam pines wafted through and brought smiles with it. The pines are dying from acid rain and infestation. Dead trees seem to outnumber the living. The trail had some of its steepest inclines in this section and there’s sections of rocks where rock climbing is the next step up in difficulty.
I felt strong climbing, my legs conditioned from working out and hiking often. My wind was good the whole trip. And when we topped out finally, 6 hours after we started the endorphins from exertion and success were popping. This hike was a challenge and a beautiful exhibition of the variety of terrain and vegetation in this area I call home. Summer is here, this was a wonderful hike to kick off the season!
MrsSmithsLifeUnexpected 