Mount Mitchell

From the summit parking lot, you can make a small loop across the ridge crossing over Mt Craig and Big Thom. After crossing Big Thom, a trail will branch off to the right. This is a steep decline about 1.5 miles to a old horse trail. Turn right on this trial (camping area for a few tents is here). Hike about .5 miles and you will come to a small clearing with great views and a camping area. Continue hiking towards Commensary Ridge where there is another large camping area. The trail back to the summit will be marked on your right just as you enter the clearing. This loop can be hiked in 1 day or split into 2 days. The is a larger loop that can be done in a single overnight or easily in a double overnight. Instead of taking the split off after Big Thom, continue towards Deep Gap (good camping but can get windy). On the far side of Deep Gap, take the Colberts Ridge (creek) trail to the right. This trial; come on on a road. Tunr right an d follow road about .5 miles to the end. Turn right again. The horsetrial will be on the left. Stay left in the beginning and follow the white blazes (poorly marked). After a couple miles the trial will split 3 ways.... take the middle steeper option. (the splitoff has a small area for camping. This begins the switchbacks. Continue to follow the trial up to where the Big Thom trial intersects and then continue towards Commensary Ridge where you will find the trial to the top of Mt Mitchell.