Good news bad news. No one on the trail but that’s because it was cold and cloud cover left no views from top.
Recently, I took on the challenge of hiking from Camp Alice to the Mount Mitchell Summit, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of emotions, terrain, and weather.
Now, let’s talk views. On clear days, the summit promises panoramas that are nothing short of breathtaking. It’s the kind of reward that makes every challenging step worth it. However, on my trek, the cloud cover played spoilsport. While I couldn’t relish the expansive vistas, there was a mystical charm to the fog-wrapped landscapes.
I left the AirBnB early in the morning from Asheville since I promised my wife I would be back in time for us to do some shopping and try a new restaurant upon my return. The drive was easy, but did take longer than it would seem due to the nature of the roads and some shutdowns along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s always good to plan for some extra time when using the Parkway since it can be shut down due to conditions. Also the speed limit on the parkway is more like residential streets rather than a true highway. Who cares since half the time you want to go slow to pull over and take a picture anyway, right?
Bathrooms are available
Arriving at the entrance to Mount Mitchell park, I made my way to the parking area at the Camp Alice lower ranger station and was relieved to find a clean bathroom prior to setting off on foot. The parking lot was mostly empty as I figured that most visitors would rather walk the short distance from the summit parking area rather than hiking to the top. As I set out from the parking area the sun was shining although it was probably in the low 50’s and damp with recent rain. I was properly layered with a down jacket from Sherpa and a t-shirt with a long sleeve overshirt. I made sure to bring some snacks and water and off I went. As I started to climb the path grew slightly more narrow and transitioned from an open high brush trail into a more tree-covered dark journey reminiscent of a halloween movie. The sun was obscured through the trees and the lighting was more like early evening rather than mid-morning. Thankfully it wasn’t dark enough to require a headlamp, but I certainly didn;t need sunglasses.
At least under the trees the misty rain subsided and I only caught intermittent drips as the rain fell from leaf to leaf. It was quiest and I didn’t expect to see many others braiving the conditions. The cold, rainy conditions might deter some, but there’s something undeniably refreshing about raindrops on your face as you hike. It adds a raw, untouched feel to the experience, reminding you of nature’s unpredictability and beauty.
While the weather gods might not have been entirely in my favor, and the cloud cover kept some secrets of the summit hidden, the hike from Camp Alice to Mount Mitchell Summit was undoubtedly memorable. The blend of challenges, changing weather, and the promise of views (obstructed or otherwise) make it a trail worth trekking. Rain, fog, or shine, it’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon, pushing limits and soaking in the wild beauty of nature.
The Hiking Numbers:
**Length:** Clocking in at 4.27 miles, this trail is no casual walk in the park. It offers enough distance to give you the satisfaction of a hike well done, without feeling like you’ve just completed a marathon.
**Elevation Gain:** With an elevation gain of 1,148 ft, there were moments I felt like a mountain goat, navigating the inclines. But every upward step is a testament to endurance and the promise of views from the top.
**Moving Time:** My total moving time was 1 hour, 36 minutes, and 51 seconds. This pace felt good, given the trail’s challenges. And while seasoned hikers might breeze through, those newer to the scene can embrace the journey at their own pace.
**Average Pace:** At an average pace of 22:42 per mile, this trail is less about speed and more about resilience. It urges you to take in the surroundings, even as you tackle the terrain.
**Calories:** The calorie burn was a delightful surprise! I burned an estimated 1,077 calories. That’s a guilt-free post-hike treat right there!
**Total Time:** Factoring in a few essential stops, my overall time stood at 1 hour, 38 minutes, and 20 seconds. These pauses were crucial not just for breathers but to take in the surroundings, even if Mother Nature decided to play coy.
