Mount Mitchell Loop via Commissary Ridge

About the Hike

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Hike Description

Contact leader via email for reservation. We will hike from the Ranger Station at Stepps Gap to the summit via the Old Mitchell Trail where we'll enjoy the view from the observation platform. Hiking down from the summit, we will take the Mt. Mitchell Trail/MST through moss-covered pine forest and return on the Commissary Ridge Trail. Expect grand views, beautiful forest scenery and (hopefully) flush toilets. This hike is 88 of the 100 Favorite Trails.Topos: Mt. Mitchell

Scout Report

I scouted this hike with Marie C. on Aug. 31, a warm, sunny day. At the ranger station we found the bathrooms locked but 6 clean porta potties lined up to use. A ranger told us the Old Mitchell Trail was closed due to a waterline repair; and the reason the bathrooms were closed. We decided to make the hike a lollipop loop, taking the Commissary Ridge Trail to the Camp Alice Trail which connects to the top of the Old Mitchell Trail. This trail is steeper, climbing 800-feet in under 2 miles. The forest is dense and humid, with typical Mt. Mitchell wet and muddy terrain, but with an abundance of fungi, moss and lichen. At the top, we hiked down to the bathrooms at the concession which were open, then back up to the observation deck where we had partial views due to clouds coming in. After lunch in the shade, we hiked down the MST which is always an adventure as it descends through lovely moss-covered spruce/fir forest. We maneuvered through water, mud and over slippery rocks and roots, making it strenuous and slow going. The descent is about 950 feet in 2-miles. Down on the Commissary Ridge Trail, a wide gradual uphill hike back to the car, delighting in late summer flowers and long-distance views. We ran into the CMC Monday Trail Crew who were weed-whacking the overgrowth. Thanks for the hard work. I tracked the hike at 6-miles with a total 1266-foot ascent. Despite the rating, trail conditions makes this hike lean to the moderate-difficult range. It is a very enjoyable hike but slow-moving due to the terrain, taking 5:25 to complete.