Mount Mitchell Summit Trail is a premier hiking destination in Yancey County, North Carolina, covering 1.4 miles with 600ft of elevation gain. Stats: 1.4 miles, 600ft gain, Easy. Type: Loop. Surface: Paved/Dirt. Time: 1 hour. Fee: $15 NC park fee. Dogs: Yes. Permit: No. Wildlife: black bears, ravens, red squirrels, golden-crowned kinglets, winter wrens. Best seasons: Summer for cool temps at 6,684 ft; fall for brilliant color; icy and cold in winter. Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet. The observation deck delivers a 360-degree panorama across the Black Mountain range and into Tennessee on clear days. Pack plenty of water and layers. Mountain weather in the southern Appalachians can change rapidly — always check the forecast. Leave No Trace: stay on trail, pack out all waste, respect wildlife.