Mount Mitchell View overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway

View: ♦ ♦ / 5
Trails: None
Picnic Tables: None

The Mount Mitchell View overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway gives you exactly what you expect: a view of Mount Mitchell, the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. Despite much of the overlook being overgrown with trees, it’s tough to block out the view of a mountain that rises 2,000 feet higher than where you are standing—but the trees are getting darn close. The only clear view remaining is that near the overlook identification sign.

Mount Mitchell is now part of Mount Mitchell State Park. I had the unfortunate experience of camping at the top of the mountain during gale force winds, rain, and very cold temperatures. I felt like I was on earth when it was still being formed millions of years ago. The fog was so thick I couldn’t even see the next campsite. I used my low profile tent to keep from getting blown over, but all night long the winds would collapse the tent onto my head, then it would spring back. It was like getting hit in the face with a pillow all night long. And this wasn’t some storm that passed—it was a relentless beating that was still going strong when I woke up the next day. I’m sure the campground is fine when the weather is nice, but it’s no place to be when it’s cold and rainy.