Mt. Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi, 6,684 feet. Though you can drive almost all the way to the top of Mt. Mitchell, you won't feel like you've climbed a mountain unless you start your hike lower down.

The Mt. Mitchell Tower has been taken down. A new, more accessible tower is planned for 2008.

Map: Mt. Mitchell State Park map available at the Visitor Center and South Toe River, Mount Mitchell and Big Ivy Trail Map, USDA Forest Service.