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Mount Mitchell State Park

August 16, 2020 - August 22, 2020

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TRIP CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19:

Volunteers will be rehabilitating one of the most popular trails in the park. The Old Mount Mitchell Trail leads to the summit of the highest peak East of the Mississippi. Volunteers will perform tread work including side-hilling, building new steps and waterbars and other water diversion structures. Some rock work will be involved. Tools will be provided including hazel hoes, Pulaskis, rock tools, etc. We will also provide safety equipment and detailed instruction in the safe use of these tools. Volunteers will enjoy camping and working at high elevation not far from the summit of Mount Mitchell.

Register

Host

NC High Peaks Trail Association

Accommodations

Primitive Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Day hiking up to 3 miles each work day

Project Rating

Difficult

Minimum Volunteer Age

18

Maximum Group Size

10

Area and Attractions

Mount Mitchell is the highest peak of the Black Mountains, a spur of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Black Mountains have twelve peaks over 6,000 feet. The park is surrounded on all sides by US Forest Service or private lands all of which is undeveloped and highly forested. Hiking trails go in many directions from the summit of Mount Mitchell. The Black Mountain Crest Trail, for example, is the highest trail East of the Mississippi and is over 11 miles long crossing over a number of 6,000 foot peaks. North Carolina's Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) runs through the park including the summit. The summit observation platform has spectacular 360-degree views. Mount Mitchell's only vehicle access is off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is one of the highest sections of the Parkway with tremendous views at numerous overlooks. Trails from Mount Mitchell SP connect to the Parkway. The park is an "island ecosystem" containing alpine species similar to those in northern New England and Canada. High temperatures in the summer are in the 60's and low 70's. Black bears live in the park but we provide steel food lockers for campers! Western North Carolina is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. There are endless trails to hike, bike, and run with many options for relaxation and refreshments in the buzzing city of Asheville, N.C. which is close by.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will tent camp at the Park's Campground. Each group campsite contains a fire ring/grill, picnic tables, fireside seating and six campsites that can accommodate two single tents per site. Flush toilets are located centrally between campsites. Mount Mitchell SP will supply volunteers with firewood. Volunteers should bring their own tent, sleeping bag/sleeping pad, cup/bowl/mug/eating utensils, and personal gear. Volunteers will need to carry their personal gear and a portion of the food/tools/cooking gear to base camp.

Travel

Airport Pickup Provided from Asheville Regional Airport. Airport pickup and dropoff times will be sent to registrants when the trip is confirmed.

Location

Mount Mitchell State Park
2388 NC 128, Burnsville, NC 28714 United States