People sometimes underestimate how severe the winters can be on Mt. Mitchell. Granted, the climate is a bit more moderate than winters on Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. But, when you consider how far south Mt. Mitchell is, it's all-time record low of -34 F approaches the all-time record low on Mt. Washington of -47 F. Add to that seasonal snowfall amounts that have approached 250 inches before, and Mt. Mitchell truly replicates conditions found many, many miles to the north. Again, KUDOS, Chanse, watching this always bumps up my heartbeat a little.
I live just under 4000 feet on the western slope of Winter Star and Deer Mountains, part of the Black Mountain Chain of mountians. When one speaks of snow and cold on Mount Mitchell, one is also speaking of the same kind of weather on the other 6000+ foot peaks of the Black Mountain Range. From the northern most mountains, Celo Knob to Mount Mitchell and beyone all are connected on one ridge line. At over a mile in elevation is the Deep Gap of the Black the lowest point along the ridge. I walked once in 1982 from the Cattail Creek Community to Deep Gap and on to Mount Mitchell in late December, encountering thigh deep snow in places. I spent the night and returned the next day. Cattail Creek Commuiity had a wonderful White Christmas of about 8 inches. The community is on the western slopes and elevation ranges from about 3,000 to 4,200 feet where houses are located. All are on the Western slopes of the Black Mountains, highest in Eastern North America. I love where I live and am very proud to say so.
I was surprised to learn that the park is open during the winter. Most places are closed during the colder months. It's very cool that they dedicate resources to keep the area accessible year round. It's a treasure that I would love to experience some day.
@Mosca Muerta: Accessible for hikers but not for drivers during much of the winter since there are barricades along the blue ridge parkway preventing access to higher elevations after roads get icy.
It's kinda like North Carolina gets the best of both worlds during the winter. I'ts nice and warm along the coast around the low country area of NC, but bitter cold, and beautifully white and covered in feet upon feet of snow in the inland Appalachian areas, especially in Mount Mitchell.
It’s definitely not as consistent or as snowy as up north or in the Rockies but on a good year sometimes the tops of mountains can develop a snow pack!
I miss the old tower! It was a lot cooler looking.....nastalgic and eerie in a sense! Sure did make Mitchell have that rough, old feel to it back then!
"Mount Mitchell saw 8.5 inches Thursday and 11 inches Friday. On Saturday, the park was walloped with 41 inches." I bet those plows couldn't keep up with 41" in a 24 hr....
It’s interesting to see plows on Mt Mitchell and the parkway down to NC-80. Maybe this is how things used to be. These days, the slightest gust of wind or rain even when the temps are in the 40s up there - as soon as the tourists have gone in early November - everything shuts (especially Asheville to Blowing Rock), so no need to plow. Same for pretty much the whole BRP. It’s a shame too for us locals (am in AVL) as we prefer it when it’s not touristy. To be fair, I presume budgets are far less now than they were when this was filmed, and it’s dangerous work. Maybe if we start charging tourists to use the Mt Mitchell park roads (and the parkway), more $ will be around for maintenance and things like this. For snow in winter, I tend to go up to Carver’s Gap near Roan Mountain. Regular state roads up there, but note the NC side is usually cleared well if there’s snow. The TN side - not so much.
It's so cool seeing the old observation tower covered in ice.
People sometimes underestimate how severe the winters can be on Mt. Mitchell. Granted, the climate is a bit more moderate than winters on Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. But, when you consider how far south Mt. Mitchell is, it's all-time record low of -34 F approaches the all-time record low on Mt. Washington of -47 F. Add to that seasonal snowfall amounts that have approached 250 inches before, and Mt. Mitchell truly replicates conditions found many, many miles to the north. Again, KUDOS, Chanse, watching this always bumps up my heartbeat a little.
I live just under 4000 feet on the western slope of Winter Star and Deer Mountains, part of the Black Mountain Chain of mountians. When one speaks of snow and cold on Mount Mitchell, one is also speaking of the same kind of weather on the other 6000+ foot peaks of the Black Mountain Range. From the northern most mountains, Celo Knob to Mount Mitchell and beyone all are connected on one ridge line. At over a mile in elevation is the Deep Gap of the Black the lowest point along the ridge. I walked once in 1982 from the Cattail Creek Community to Deep Gap and on to Mount Mitchell in late December, encountering thigh deep snow in places. I spent the night and returned the next day. Cattail Creek Commuiity had a wonderful White Christmas of about 8 inches. The community is on the western slopes and elevation ranges from about 3,000 to 4,200 feet where houses are located. All are on the Western slopes of the Black Mountains, highest in Eastern North America. I love where I live and am very proud to say so.
Love these mtns. I have a home in Burnsville and I can hear the Winterstar Creek now. What a place to live. 💕🦋🌻
I was surprised to learn that the park is open during the winter. Most places are closed during the colder months. It's very cool that they dedicate resources to keep the area accessible year round. It's a treasure that I would love to experience some day.
@Mosca Muerta: Accessible for hikers but not for drivers during much of the winter since there are barricades along the blue ridge parkway preventing access to higher elevations after roads get icy.
I love Mt. Mitchell in the winter!
It's kinda like North Carolina gets the best of both worlds during the winter. I'ts nice and warm along the coast around the low country area of NC, but bitter cold, and beautifully white and covered in feet upon feet of snow in the inland Appalachian areas, especially in Mount Mitchell.
It’s definitely not as consistent or as snowy as up north or in the Rockies but on a good year sometimes the tops of mountains can develop a snow pack!
Great documentary about the Mountain I love. These Park Rangers are true troopers!
Awesome. Thank you for sharing
I miss the old tower! It was a lot cooler looking.....nastalgic and eerie in a sense! Sure did make Mitchell have that rough, old feel to it back then!
"Mount Mitchell saw 8.5 inches Thursday and 11 inches Friday. On Saturday, the park was walloped with 41 inches." I bet those plows couldn't keep up with 41" in a 24 hr....
May hike it this January! Can’t wait for all the snow!
Thank you for sharing this video...
Visited that tower in the 1960s several times.
Bob Caldwell!
It’s interesting to see plows on Mt Mitchell and the parkway down to NC-80. Maybe this is how things used to be. These days, the slightest gust of wind or rain even when the temps are in the 40s up there - as soon as the tourists have gone in early November - everything shuts (especially Asheville to Blowing Rock), so no need to plow. Same for pretty much the whole BRP. It’s a shame too for us locals (am in AVL) as we prefer it when it’s not touristy. To be fair, I presume budgets are far less now than they were when this was filmed, and it’s dangerous work. Maybe if we start charging tourists to use the Mt Mitchell park roads (and the parkway), more $ will be around for maintenance and things like this.
For snow in winter, I tend to go up to Carver’s Gap near Roan Mountain. Regular state roads up there, but note the NC side is usually cleared well if there’s snow. The TN side - not so much.
great
Ahhhh!
Why would there be 2 "thumbs down" on this video? If this video bothers someone, they have some real issues.
Haha true.