There I was, a girl hiking solo to the highest peak in North Carolina, Mount Mitchell, and guess what? I enjoyed every minute of it! Sometimes, you must get the thrill of exploring nature alone, without anyone to slow you down, judge your pace, or whatever you feel like photographing on the trail.

Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, has several trails. The most popular trail is clearly marked and easy to navigate. Yet, hiking Mount Mitchell is a moderate to extreme hike, depending on your chosen trail. The hike is not for the faint of heart. Still, it’s an unforgettable experience that will make you feel alive and appreciate the forest and your boots. 

Hiking solo can be a rewarding and empowering experience, especially when you do the highest peak in the state solo. But it also comes with some challenges and risks. Before you pack your bags and hit the road, here are some tips to consider before you hit the trails by yourself:

Plan ahead

Check the Mount Mitchell State Park website for closures and weather conditions. Research your route, check the weather, pack enough water and snacks, and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Please don’t rely on your phone or GPS; my phone usually has excellent service, but not for most of my hike up Mount Mitchell. Cell service at the top was okay.

First, you must decide which trail to take to reach the summit. There are several options, ranging from easy to strenuous. Still, the most popular one and the one you can finish in one day is the Old Mitchell Trail (recommended). This trail starts at the Black Mountain Campground and climbs 3.6 miles to the top. It’s a steep and rocky path, so be prepared to sweat and scramble over some boulders.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Black Mountain Crest Trail, which traverses 11.3 miles of ridgeline from Bowlens Creek to Mount Mitchell. It’s considered one of the most challenging hikes in the eastern US, ascending and descending over several 6,000-foot peaks, with a total elevation gain of more than 5,000 feet. You’ll need a permit to camp along the trail, which you can get for free at the Mount Mitchell State Park office.

Another option is the Mount Mitchell Trail, which starts at the Briar Bottom Group Campground and follows a 5.6-mile route to the peak. It’s a bit longer and less crowded than the Old Mitchell Trail, but it’s also more exposed to the weather and has fewer water sources along the way. You’ll need to pay a $20 fee per group per night to camp at the campground.

Whichever trail you choose, make sure you have a map, a compass, and a GPS device. You can get a map at the campground office. Some of the trails need to be better marked and can be confusing. You’ll also need to bring plenty of water, food, and layers of clothing, as the weather can change quickly and dramatically on the mountain.

The average temperature at the summit is 10-20 degrees cooler than at the base, and it can snow any month of the year. If you plan to hike the Black Mountain Crest Trail or Mount Mitchell Trail, you’ll also need to pack a tent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and a stove, as there are no shelters or cabins on the mountain. I personally do not recommend these trails if you are hiking by yourself.

You can camp within 100 feet of the trail if it’s not within 200 feet of water or roads. Follow the “leave no trace” principles and respect the fragile alpine ecosystem.

Be prepared

Carry a first aid kit, a whistle, a flashlight, a knife, and some matches or a lighter. You never know when you might need them. Also, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring layers and rain gear in case the temperature changes. I hiked during late summer and wore long sleeves and pants to protect me from mosquitos. You may not see the mosquitos, but once you stop to take a break, they’ll show up to cheer you violently to continue hiking. Use DEET; it may help.

Be aware

Keep an eye on your surroundings, and watch out for wildlife, plants, and other hazards. Avoid hiking at night or in bad weather. If you encounter another hiker or a group, be friendly but cautious. Keep your personal information private and your plans to yourself.

Have you ever encountered a bear in the wild? You might get a chance to find out at Mount Mitchell. Mount Mitchell is home to a population of black bears that roam the forests and meadows. But don’t worry; these bears are not as scary as they sound. In fact, they are more afraid of you than you are of them.

Black bears are omnivorous animals that eat mostly plants, fruits, nuts, insects, and occasionally small mammals. They are not naturally aggressive, and they usually avoid humans unless threatened or provoked. They are also very curious and intelligent and have a keen sense of smell that can detect food from miles away.

Bear the rules

It’s essential to follow some basic bear rules when hiking at Mount Mitchell:

• Make noise while you hike. If the trail feels too quiet, enjoy the serenity, hit rocks with hiking sticks, or sing! The noise will help deter the bears from approaching you and avoid a surprise attack.

• Never feed the bears or leave food unattended. This can make them associate humans with food and lose their natural fear of people. It can also cause them to become dependent on human food sources and lose their ability to survive in the wild.
• Keep a safe distance from the bears, and do not approach them for any reason. If you see a bear, stay calm and do not run. Running can trigger their chase instinct and make them think you are prey. Instead, back away slowly while facing the bear and making noise. If the bear follows you, stand your ground and make yourself look big by waving your arms or holding a jacket over your head. If the bear charges you, fight back with anything you have, such as rocks, sticks, or pepper spray.
• Be especially careful around mother bears and cubs. If you see a cub, walk away quickly because the mama is nearby and won’t accept you found her cub cute and wanted to pet it. Mother bears are very protective of their young and will attack anyone who gets too close to them. Never get between a mother bear and her cubs or try to touch or feed them.
• Respect the bears and their habitat. Remember that you are a guest in their home, and they have the right to live there peacefully. Do not disturb them or harm them in any way. Enjoy watching them from a distance and appreciate their beauty and majesty.

Be confident hiking

Trust your instincts and your abilities. If you feel you need a break, stop and take your break, as many as you like. No one will judge you. During my hike, I saw many people who looked extremely fit and were running up the mountain. Those fit hikers that passed me, I, too, passed them on my way up. So, take your breaks, enjoy a snack, and drink water!

Don’t let fear or doubt stop you from enjoying your hike. Remember it is not a competition either. You are strong, smart, and capable of handling any situation. Remember why you love hiking and have fun!

Reward yourself

Reaching the summit is the first reward. Then, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains that will take your breath away. You’ll also find a visitor center, a museum, a gift shop, and a restaurant where you can relax and refuel.

After you have enjoyed the stunning panoramic views, prepare yourself mentally to descend the mountain. You have two choices: have someone pick you up at the top or hike back the way you came. I hiked back down and was extremely pumped to complete the hike, get in the nearby river, and head back to the hotel to celebrate at a local brewery!

Hiking at Mount Mitchell was one of the best hikes I’ve ever completed and a memorable experience. I had fun and felt alive; my legs and feet were screaming the next day, but it was worth it! 

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