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Blue Ridge Parkway: Mount Mitchell, Black Mountains, North Carolina
Photo: Ken Thomas

Drives North Carolina Asheville and the Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge Parkway: Mount Mitchell

Blue Ridge Parkway, NC 128 · Asheville → Mount Mitchell summit

Twisty31 mi1 hr6,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 6,400 ftOne way
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The drive

This drive takes the Blue Ridge Parkway north from US 70 at Asheville, past Craggy Gardens, then NC 128 to just below the summit of Mount Mitchell, 6,684 feet and the highest point east of the Mississippi River. It climbs about 6,300 feet in 31.4 miles, with three twisty stretches.

Craggy Gardens sits at mileposts 364 to 367, about 20 miles north of Asheville, with a visitor center, picnic area and trails; Catawba rhododendron bloom peaks there in June. From the Parkway the road turns onto NC 128 into Mount Mitchell State Park. The summit is often several degrees colder than Burnsville.

Along the way

  1. Asheville (US-70, MP 382)
  2. Craggy Gardens Visitor Center
  3. Mount Mitchell summit
Elevation
6,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 6,400 ft
AshevilleMount Mitchell summit
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
AshevilleMount Mitchell summit
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Parkway north of the Mount Mitchell entrance, milepost 344.2 to 355.3, is closed for Helene damage, so the park is reached only from the Asheville side and this is a there-and-back drive.
  • There is no gas between Asheville and the park.
  • Winter closures are frequent and can be prolonged, often due to ice.
  • Day use at Mount Mitchell State Park is free, and the summit restaurant is closed for the year.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check National Park Service: Blue Ridge Parkway road closures.

Questions about this drive

How long does the drive to Mount Mitchell from Asheville take?

The Blue Ridge Parkway and NC 128 from Asheville to the Mount Mitchell summit area is 31.4 miles and takes about 1 hr.

Is the Blue Ridge Parkway open to Mount Mitchell?

The Parkway is open from Asheville through Craggy Gardens to the Mount Mitchell State Park entrance at milepost 355.3. The section north of the entrance is closed for Helene damage.

Is there a fee to visit Mount Mitchell State Park?

No. Day use is free; fees apply to camping, certain permits and facility reservations.

Is there gas on the way to Mount Mitchell?

No. There are no gas stations between Asheville and the park.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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More drives near here

All 36 drives in North Carolina ›

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Blue Ridge Parkway: Mount Mitchell, from Asheville to Mount Mitchell summit