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Mount Mitchell State Park – Volunteer Vacations 2021

August 1, 2021 - August 7, 2021

Trip Navigation

Volunteers will be rehabilitating the most popular trails in the park. The Balsam Nature Trail is near 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.

CURRENT COVID TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE (Link)

Host

NC High Peaks Trail Association

Accommodations

Primitive Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Backpacking 1 miles to basecamp (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! Asheville, boasting a thriving restuarant, craft brewery, and art scene, and many other vibrant mountain towns are a close drive away.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will tent camp at the Park's Campground. A single 10 by 10 tent pad is reserved for the crew leader. It contains a fire ring/grill, picnic table and fireside seating will be available for group meals and gatherings. Primitive campsites close by will be provided for tent camping. Note, due to lack of suitable trees hammocks are not permitted. Mount Mitchell State Park will supply volunteers with firewood. Volunteers should bring their own tents, sleeping bags/pillows, sleeping pads, towels, and personal camping gear. Volunteers will need to carry their personal gear and a portion of the food/tools/cooking gear to base camp. Please note that cell service is almost non-existent on Mount Mitchell, but sometimes texts go through. Wi-Fi is available at the park office about two miles away.

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 + Google Map
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