Where is Mount Mitchell State Park, Burnsville, North Carolina?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

Mount Mitchell State Park is located in North Carolina, USA. It lies between Asheville and Marion and is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is famous for Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in eastern North America, and its scenic mountain views.

Mount Mitchell State Park Location Map, Burnsville, North Carolina

Top Attractions Inside Mount Mitchell State Park

  • Mount Mitchell Summit – Highest peak east of the Mississippi, offering panoramic mountain views.
  • Observation Deck – Elevated platform providing 360-degree vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Mount Mitchell Trail – Hiking trail leading to the summit through dense forests and diverse ecosystems.
  • Visitor Center & Museum – Exhibits on park history, geology, and natural heritage.
  • Craggy Gardens – Scenic area with rhododendron blooms and hiking opportunities nearby.
  • Black Mountain Trail – Trails for hiking and wildlife observation with picturesque overlooks.
  • Picnic & Camping Areas – Facilities for day use and overnight stays in the high-elevation forest.

Mount Mitchell State Park Facts

Official NameMount Mitchell State Park
LocationBurnsville, Yancey County, North Carolina, USA
Latitude & Longitude35.7644° N, 82.2650° W (Mount Mitchell summit)
Total Area~4,789 acres (19.4 km²)
Established1915 (first state park in North Carolina)
FounderState of North Carolina / North Carolina State Parks System
Managed ByNorth Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
RegionBlack Mountain Range / Western North Carolina
Address2388 NC-128, Burnsville, NC 28714, USA
Zip Code28714
Area Code828
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptMountain Summit, Highest Peak in Eastern U.S., Nature Recreation, Ecology
Sections (Areas)Summit Observation Area - Restaurant & Museum - State Park Trails - Campground - Picnic Areas
Famous AttractionsMount Mitchell Summit (6,684 ft) - Observation Deck - Balsam Forests - Deep Gap Trail - Commissary Ridge
Annual VisitorsApproximately 400,000+ visitors per year
Entry Fee TypeFree Entry (no admission fee)
Ticket Price RangeFree (additional costs for camping may apply)
Ticket OptionsNo tickets required for entry; campground reservations available
Best Time to VisitMay–October (road to summit often closes in winter due to snow/ice)
Nearby AirportAsheville Regional Airport (AVL) – ~60 miles (97 km)
TransportationCar access via Blue Ridge Parkway & NC-128 - Hiking Trails - No public transit
Official Websitehttps://www.ncparks.gov/mount-mitchell-state-park

Distances from Mount Mitchell State Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Mount Mitchell Summit – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Mount Mitchell Observation Deck – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Mount Mitchell Trailhead – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Craggy Gardens – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Blue Ridge Parkway – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Black Mountain Campground – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Little Switzerland, NC – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Deep Gap, NC – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Burnsville, NC – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Bakersville, NC – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Mount Mitchell State Park Visitor Center – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Craggy Pinnacle Trail – 16 km (9.9 mi)
  • Blue Ridge Music Center – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Linville, NC – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Stone Mountain State Park – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Spruce Pine, NC – 35 km (21.7 mi)
  • Roan Mountain – 55 km (34.2 mi)
  • Maggie Valley, NC – 75 km (46.6 mi)
  • Asheville, NC Downtown – 85 km (52.8 mi)
  • Mount Mitchell Trail Parking – 0 km (0 mi)