Backpacking the Highest Peak East of the Mississippi – Mt. Mitchell

OVERVIEW

Calling all backpackers, highpointers, and hardcore outdoorsmen. Instead of wasting away your fall break making a few extra bucks or catching up on homework, come backpack North Carolina’s hardest and most rugged trail!

The Black Mountain Crest Trail (12.6 miles one way – we’ll be going out and back for 25.2 miles) is known for its challenging terrain and aggressive elevation gain (it feels similar to hiking the Adirondacks of NY). The trail takes you over several high peaks, including the 2nd highest peak of the Appalachians (Mt. Craig). It culminates in the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mt. Mitchell. The vistas and views are stunning, and the journey is definitely a worthwhile one.

This is trip is intended for those who are already competent independent backpackers! We will NOT be doing any group food/gear, so you are expected to fully support yourself on your own setup. This is not a trip recommended for beginners.

Basic backpacking gear:
– Backpack
– Shelter (tent/hammock/bivvy/tarp/sleeping bag)
– Rain gear (rain clothes/pack cover)
– Food setup (food items/stove/fuel/mess kit/utensil)
– Water setup (2-4 liter capacity – water sources are fairly spread out/filtration or purification method)
– Essentials (knife/headlamp/first aid kit)

Logistics:
Friday – leave Charlottesville around 6:30 and make the ~6 hour drive down, camp in the car or just off the trail
Saturday – start on the trail, aim to make it to Deep Gap around mile 8 where there is a water source and campsite
Sunday – Continue from Deep Gap to Mt. Mitchell ~mile 12, start the return trip, see what looks like good camping on the way back
Monday – Finish the trail, return to the car, drive back to Charlottesville

Note that much of the schedule is up to how we’re feeling. We could end up going much faster or much slower, and will adjust the plan accordingly.