MST: Walker Knob Overlook to Mt Mitchell Summit

This was a hike I have been attempting to complete for some time now as I close in on finishing Segment 3 of the Mountains to Sea Trail. Weather and personal schedules have caused me to delay, but I was truly blessed today with clear skies and cool breezes as I climbed the 10 miles from Walker Knob Overlook to the summit of Mt Mitchell.

I was eager to get an early start, and thankfully had most of the Blue Ridge Parkway to myself. This allowed me the time to stop and appreciate the sunrise as it broke and cleared the clouds away.

Walker Knob Overlook is located approximately at milepost 360 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a small, paved turnout with limited parking. The trailhead is obvious here as it crosses the parkway and continues into the woods past the familiar blaze.

This was an early morning wakeup call, in that the trail starts at an elevation of around 5300′ and ascends rapidly to 6300′ in less than a mile and a half.

The area had received much rainfall over the previous days making all of the spring growth a vibrant green; it also caused the trails to be so wet that some of the areas were like walking through a mountain stream. I had to stop twice during the day to wring out my shoes and socks.

Approximately 1.3 miles up from the trailhead there is a small viewing area to the northwest. It is a beautiful glimpse of the ridgeline peaks and what is in store for the remainder of the day. The trail remains along this ridge for a couple of miles – a reward for the strenuous climb.

Due to the time of year and the recent rainfall, areas like this made some of the walking slow and tedious. With the high, wet grass it was impossible not to get soaked. I typically hike in long pants, but this would be a great place to also wear gaiters – too bad mine were at home on the shelf.

About 4.0 miles from the trailhead is a rock outcropping with long-range views looking east over the Asheville Watershed. On this route this time of year, it is one of the rare opportunities for a view.

The trail soon leaves the peak and continues a few hundred feet down the ridge through a series of switchbacks as it makes it’s way to NC 128. This area can be a challenge due to the large amount of rock hopping required. Again, with all the rain, there were many small stream crossings.

The trail crosses NC 128 and there is a small gravel parking area here which could make it convenient if you were interested in turning this into two smaller hikes. The MST here continues along the Buncombe Horse Trail and the Old Mount Mitchell Railway Grade. The railroad was constructed in 1915 and was originally created for logging but was later expanded to include carrying tourists up to Camp Alice. The railway ended service in 1921 after the timber resources were depleted.

Since the trail is following the old railway grade, it is an easy hike over the next 3 miles from NC 128. There are a few streams and small waterfalls along the way. This is the easiest section of the hike as it approaches the base and final climb up to Mt. Mitchell.

Before beginning the ascent to the summit, be aware of a few trail intersections. Each of these are well marked and the signs indicate clearly the directions and estimated time to each destination. The MST reaches the Commissary Trail junction at approximately 8.5 miles from the trailhead. The MST continues sharply to the left; however, the Commissary Trail to the right provides hikers an option to avoid the steep climb up to Mt. Mitchell. The Commissary Trail will meet back up with the MST after it traverses the peak.

It is less than a 0.5 mile from the Commissary Trail junction to the Camp Alice Trailhead. Before reaching the trailhead, Lower Creek must be crossed and this day it was well over its banks.

The trail up to the summit is a steep, strenuous 1.0 mile climb of just under 1000′ in elevation. The trail is well maintained for the amount of traffic that it sees throughout the year. It is blazed with the typical MST white circles as well as blue squares.

The MST will cross the paved, heavily populated Mt. Mitchell summit trail. At this point, to the left in less than 0.1 miles is the Mt. Mitchell exhibit. Here you will find a store, concessions, water and restrooms. From the intersection it is about 500′ up to the summit. You cannot always predict what kind of view will be available when you are this high. Fortunately, I arrived just before a storm was rolling in. Pictures do not do the view justice on top of Mt. Mitchell. 360 degree views are available with very informative kiosks pointing out objects of interest below.

I am thankful that I had the opportunity to complete this hike. Only 6.5 miles more to go to finish Segment 3 and only about 940 more miles for the MST !!!

40 Hike Challenge Blue Ridge Parkway Conserving Carolina Falls Lake Hickory Nut Gorge Hiking Lake Lure Linville Gorge Mountains to Sea Mount Mitchell North Carolina Trails