I am glad I climbed the highest peak on the east coast. I would say it is definitely not as rugged or technical as the Adirondacks or Whites. It was a great hike with my sons, but I am partial to the Adirondacks. I had some back issues leading up to this trail. The ascent was no problem, but I really struggled on the descent. Glad my boys were there to motivate me.
You climbed Mt Washington? Jk, but prominence is much more important than elevation and Mitchell is very small compared to Mt Washington in pretty much every metric except for elevation.
Its just over six miles up. I've done it a handful of times, mainly just for the workout after the first. I haven't been to the Adirondacks or Whites yet, but I've hiked Mount Elbert in CO.
Love your honest assessment. I moved to NC from the Adirondack region 2 years ago. I’m just now starting to get out into the mountains again. I’m very used to the rugged terrain and calm lakes of the north. I am looking to hit some summits this fall and Mitchell is on the list. It’s nice to have a reference from someone who really understands what hiking is like in those regions of the north.
Very cool, it’s a beautiful place and I will never pass up a mountain. It’s just different. We are very lucky to have the Adirondacks. There are some very cool areas in Great Smoky Mountain NP. I definitely want to go back there. Chimney Rock SP was also neat, but more like a Watkins Glen feel.
@@OutsideChronicles I can see that. I was in Chimney Rock last weekend. Seems some of the mountains that would be legendary if they were more remote are pretty touristy.
Not too many times do I go into full screen mode - but I always do for these. I'm glad to hear your honest review of the peak as I was having the same thoughts as I watched. But any mountain beats no mountain.
I agree, its still the a mountain, still hiking, and the added bonus of the unknown. But at the end of the day, underwhelming. Thanks for watching and the comment.
I recommend Table Rock Mt. NC for a good little hike (the drive to the parking area is a little rough) and a beautiful view at the top on a clear or partly cloudy day at the top. I’ve been many times. Live near it in Morganton, NC (also see Hawksbill Mt, next to Table Rock)
I've done both Mitchel and Washington and Washington is a lot HARDER. I enjoyed both though. What I disliked about both was the drive-up, clean and happy crowd. However, even though I live in the East, I have climbed some very tall mountains in the Rockies. Nothing in the East compares to them. Thanks for this great video.
I expected Mount Mitchell to feel at least close in size to Mt Washington in NH, but if you have stood on both there is no question who the king of the East is.
I found your video useful and informative. Thank you. Well done. Good job with the music as well. Mt. Mitchell is a very unique place with a rare forest. UNESCO designated it was an International Biosphere, if I am not mistaken. The reason Mt. Mitchell is less than impressive is because it is the most impressive. Tom Brady can’t say that all other quarterbacks are worthless. He may be the best for some people but there are many other outstanding quarterbacks in the NFL. You can’t be on the tallest mountain and criticize all other mountains for not being as tall. If you want an experience similar to the Adirondacks but elsewhere, you may want to hike at lower elevations or slightly equal elevations to the peaks around you. The Linville Gorge would be a good one. Grandfather Mountain and the Black Mountain Crest trails are also good hikes with impressive views. But, from the top of Mt. Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain looks like a bump in the horizon. Charlie’s Bunion in the GSMNP is also a good one. That trail is exactly on the border between TN and NC. Great video. I’m glad you visited my home state and hope you enjoyed your stay.
I hiked and CLIMBED up Mt. Washington. Mt. Washington has a more exposed peak. The Whites are rated as some of the toughest to hike in the country. I still need to hike up Mt. Mitchell. Clingman’s Dome in Tennessee is the second highest. Mt. Washington has the biggest prominence in the East. Nice Video!
This does not compare to Mt. Washington. I did the Presidential Range as a day hike a couple years ago. Definitely more rugged and interesting. Also way better views. Clingman’s dome is very similar to Mitchell. I would suggest Mt LeConte and Charlie’s Bunion is you are in GSMNP.
Interesting that such a high elevation did not appear to become alpine. I’m a bit surprised that the experience was a little disappointing. But it highlights that absolute elevation is just 1 of the near countless factors in an outdoor nature experience… PA, western NY, and the upper midwest are great examples.
My experience is that all of the southern ranges rarely have an alpine zone or have much exposure. I think tree line and alpine has more to do with harsh weather that stunts tree growth and scours the peaks. The climate is too mild there to cause this.
We did not camp, but walked through the campground. It looked nice. The hike was not hard, it was well marked. However, this is relative to your fitness level.
Sorry, I do not have the data for the hike, Suunto switched over to a new platform. But time depends a lot on physical ability and fitness. My sons and I are fairly fast hikers. The trail is not technical and not steep, we likely averaged about 2mph on the ascent.
The mountains down there are very plain with very little character. I would pick the Adirondacks or Whites everyday over the Smokies and Blue Ridge. My favorite hike in the Adirondacks is Haystack, Saddleback and Basin.
@Astro Objects Let me qualify a bit. I have not winter hiked Mitchell, I am from NY and frequent the Adirondack High Peaks in the winter. There we use microspikes, snowshoes, and butt slide down some of the mountains. Of course some ski. The Mitchell trail is not very steep, even if there is a good snow pack, I do not think it is steep enough to butt slide. You may be able to do it with a butt sled. And as for crampons vs. microspikes, for Mitchell, microspikes are enough. Even in the Adirondacks, there are only one or two routes where you may need full crampons. For everything else, I use Hillsound Trails.
![How to Hike Mt Mitchell [8k]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MWAKRcQNAsI/mqdefault.jpg)
I am glad I climbed the highest peak on the east coast. I would say it is definitely not as rugged or technical as the Adirondacks or Whites. It was a great hike with my sons, but I am partial to the Adirondacks. I had some back issues leading up to this trail. The ascent was no problem, but I really struggled on the descent. Glad my boys were there to motivate me.
You climbed Mt Washington? Jk, but prominence is much more important than elevation and Mitchell is very small compared to Mt Washington in pretty much every metric except for elevation.
@@penskepc2374 Yes, I am an Adirondack 46er and have done the Presi Traverse.
@@penskepc2374 This guy is a goof.
Its just over six miles up. I've done it a handful of times, mainly just for the workout after the first. I haven't been to the Adirondacks or Whites yet, but I've hiked Mount Elbert in CO.
Love your honest assessment. I moved to NC from the Adirondack region 2 years ago. I’m just now starting to get out into the mountains again. I’m very used to the rugged terrain and calm lakes of the north. I am looking to hit some summits this fall and Mitchell is on the list. It’s nice to have a reference from someone who really understands what hiking is like in those regions of the north.
Very cool, it’s a beautiful place and I will never pass up a mountain. It’s just different. We are very lucky to have the Adirondacks. There are some very cool areas in Great Smoky Mountain NP. I definitely want to go back there. Chimney Rock SP was also neat, but more like a Watkins Glen feel.
@@OutsideChronicles I can see that. I was in Chimney Rock last weekend. Seems some of the mountains that would be legendary if they were more remote are pretty touristy.
Not too many times do I go into full screen mode - but I always do for these. I'm glad to hear your honest review of the peak as I was having the same thoughts as I watched. But any mountain beats no mountain.
I agree, its still the a mountain, still hiking, and the added bonus of the unknown. But at the end of the day, underwhelming. Thanks for watching and the comment.
Gotta hike Mt. Mitchell in the future!
Definitely worth it if you are in the area. Thanks for watching!
@@OutsideChronicles I’m in NC if that counts😂
No excuses then, go for it.
how are grandparents went to school
I recommend Table Rock Mt. NC for a good little hike (the drive to the parking area is a little rough) and a beautiful view at the top on a clear or partly cloudy day at the top. I’ve been many times. Live near it in Morganton, NC (also see Hawksbill Mt, next to Table Rock)
Looks cool, next time I am in the area I will definitely check it out.
I've done both Mitchel and Washington and Washington is a lot HARDER. I enjoyed both though. What I disliked about both was the drive-up, clean and happy crowd. However, even though I live in the East, I have climbed some very tall mountains in the Rockies. Nothing in the East compares to them. Thanks for this great video.
Thanks! We are definitely spoiled with the Adirondacks (and Whites).
I love the Adirondacks and Whites too. @@OutsideChronicles
Congrats
Hike the Black mountain crest trail to the summit next time
Thanks, I will look into it next time in that area. See you outside!
I expected Mount Mitchell to feel at least close in size to Mt Washington in NH, but if you have stood on both there is no question who the king of the East is.
Agree, the Adirondacks and Whites have so much more charactrer.
Nice work mate - loving your channel!
Thanks, although not the most exciting mountain, it is always enjoyable to climb with my sons.
I found your video useful and informative. Thank you. Well done. Good job with the music as well. Mt. Mitchell is a very unique place with a rare forest. UNESCO designated it was an International Biosphere, if I am not mistaken.
The reason Mt. Mitchell is less than impressive is because it is the most impressive. Tom Brady can’t say that all other quarterbacks are worthless. He may be the best for some people but there are many other outstanding quarterbacks in the NFL. You can’t be on the tallest mountain and criticize all other mountains for not being as tall.
If you want an experience similar to the Adirondacks but elsewhere, you may want to hike at lower elevations or slightly equal elevations to the peaks around you. The Linville Gorge would be a good one. Grandfather Mountain and the Black Mountain Crest trails are also good hikes with impressive views. But, from the top of Mt. Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain looks like a bump in the horizon. Charlie’s Bunion in the GSMNP is also a good one. That trail is exactly on the border between TN and NC.
Great video. I’m glad you visited my home state and hope you enjoyed your stay.
Thanks, I am still partial to the Adirondacks. And I’m from Buffalo, so not a Tom Brady fan. Go bills!
@@OutsideChronicles Yes, go Bills! Best of luck for the ‘24 season.
I hiked and CLIMBED up
Mt. Washington. Mt. Washington has a more exposed peak. The Whites are rated as some of the toughest to hike in the country. I still need to hike up Mt. Mitchell. Clingman’s Dome in Tennessee is the second highest. Mt. Washington has the biggest prominence in the East. Nice Video!
This does not compare to Mt. Washington. I did the Presidential Range as a day hike a couple years ago. Definitely more rugged and interesting. Also way better views. Clingman’s dome is very similar to Mitchell. I would suggest Mt LeConte and Charlie’s Bunion is you are in GSMNP.
Interesting that such a high elevation did not appear to become alpine. I’m a bit surprised that the experience was a little disappointing. But it highlights that absolute elevation is just 1 of the near countless factors in an outdoor nature experience… PA, western NY, and the upper midwest are great examples.
My experience is that all of the southern ranges rarely have an alpine zone or have much exposure. I think tree line and alpine has more to do with harsh weather that stunts tree growth and scours the peaks. The climate is too mild there to cause this.
I plan on hiking and camping overnight. Im new to hiking but i have all my gear ready fir my first overnight! Hows the camp ground & hike?
We did not camp, but walked through the campground. It looked nice. The hike was not hard, it was well marked. However, this is relative to your fitness level.
Do you have to hike to reach this? Or can it be reached by car?
You can drive to the top in a car. Much more rewarding hiking it. See you outside.
Was planning on making that hike
Can I park where you guys started?
Yes, there is a large lot just outside the campground
@@OutsideChronicles thank you!
How long did you take to go up?
Sorry, I do not have the data for the hike, Suunto switched over to a new platform. But time depends a lot on physical ability and fitness. My sons and I are fairly fast hikers. The trail is not technical and not steep, we likely averaged about 2mph on the ascent.
What is one of your favorite mountains?
The mountains down there are very plain with very little character. I would pick the Adirondacks or Whites everyday over the Smokies and Blue Ridge. My favorite hike in the Adirondacks is Haystack, Saddleback and Basin.
Watch for trail runners!
There’s a reason why people keep coming back to the High Peaks!
We truly have something special in our backyard. I can't wait for some winter High Peaks!
@Astro Objects Usually a glissade on my butt. We did upgrade to some butt sleds, but you really get moving to an almost dangerous speed.
@Astro Objects Let me qualify a bit. I have not winter hiked Mitchell, I am from NY and frequent the Adirondack High Peaks in the winter. There we use microspikes, snowshoes, and butt slide down some of the mountains. Of course some ski. The Mitchell trail is not very steep, even if there is a good snow pack, I do not think it is steep enough to butt slide. You may be able to do it with a butt sled. And as for crampons vs. microspikes, for Mitchell, microspikes are enough. Even in the Adirondacks, there are only one or two routes where you may need full crampons. For everything else, I use Hillsound Trails.
Actually you missed the best views which are in the drive up. Far better than that trail you hiked.
Not my style, I can drive up Whiteface and Washington, but more satisfying climbing them.
I agree watching disappointing views and hike looks boring
It’s not a NE mountain. The Adirondacks and Whites are incredible!
And the music.