Mount Mitchell State Park preserves the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, which stands 6,684 feet above Yancey County. The park, which was established in 1915 as North Carolina's first state park, stretches 1,996 acres near the city of Burnsville, accessible via NC 128 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. More than 400,000 visitors attend the park annually to ascend its summit-top 360-degree raised observation platform, which showcased spectacular views of the surrounding mountain scenery. Other peaks reaching above 6,000 feet within the park include Mounts Halback and Craig and Balsam Cone. Visitors can explore the historic Camp Alice logging and tourist camp on Mount Mitchell or peruse museum exhibits showcasing the region's natural and cultural history. A seasonal restaurant is also offered, along with a nine-site campground facility. Backpackers can pick up the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail within the park's boundaries, which stretches between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Outer Banks.

2388 State Highway 128, Burnsville, NC 28714, Phone: 828-675-4611

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