Balsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell

Burnsville, North Carolina

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Distance

0.94 miles

Elevation Gain

92 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Outbound

Balsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Burnsville, North Carolina.

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Features

Running

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Family Friendly

Forest

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Balsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell Reviews

Tanya T

Explorer

Balsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell

09/28/25

Gorgeous woodland trail off the parking lot at Mt Mitchell to the summit. Easy to moderate, some roots and tocks byt not overly steep. Beautiful ferns, mosses and trees along the way. 360 views from the top on a clear day. This area is often shrouded in fog, so always a good idea to check the forecast before coming if you are hoping for long range views!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Deep Gap Trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park

I personally find this trail to be more difficult and have more rewarding views than the Mt. Mitchell summit trail. The Deep Gap Trail starts near the Mount Mitchell summit and heads into a forest of spruce and balsam fir trees. The trail then climbs along the ridgeline to neighboring summits. Enjoy expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Mt. Craig, the second tallest peak East of the...

Mount Mitchell via the Old Mitchell Trail

After arriving in the park off of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, park at the first parking lot you encounter on the righthand side of the road. There is a visitor's center there where you can inquire about the park and pick up a park map. Once you do that walk outside and look to the left of the visitor's center and you will see a sign with yellow circular blazes which is the Old Mitchell Tr...

Roaring Fork Falls

Green Knob Lookout Tower

Green Knob Lookout Tower is an abandoned fire tower near Mt. Mitchell and located directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The tower boasts a full 360-degree, unobstructed view of Mt. Mitchell, Craggy Mountains, Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and the Parkway. Unlike most fire towers, this tower is not located on the highest peak of the surrounding mountains thus providing a unique and nestled fe...

Douglas Falls

The trail begins at the back of the parking area and is marked by a trail sign. Once on the trail, it is a straight shot to the waterfall with no turnoffs. Overall the trail is very easy and is a slight descent all the way down. Around .3 miles into the trail you enter a forest of now-dead hemlocks this will let you know that you are closing in on the waterfall. From here continue down the trai...

Craggy Pinnacle Trail

I usually spend the day visiting restaurants and breweries around Asheville. Before it gets late, so you can enjoy the views, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway located right outside the city. After about 30 minutes on the parkway, you will park at the Craggy Pinnacle parking lot Milepost 364.1. From here, there is a short and beautiful half mile hike to the peak. Once you get to the top, if you t...

Balsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell

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Download Outbound mobile app

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Balsam Nature Trail to Mount Mitchell Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Deep Gap Trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park

Mount Mitchell via the Old Mitchell Trail

Roaring Fork Falls

Green Knob Lookout Tower

Douglas Falls

Craggy Pinnacle Trail

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