Deep Gap Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park

A walk in the clouds in the Black Mountains

What to Expect

You'll begin the hike in Mount Mitchell State Park, one of the first state parks in the U.S. (established in 1915). 

Also called the Black Mountain Crest Trail, the Deep Gap Trail starts from the far end of the parking lot at Mount Mitchell summit (at the start of the picnic area). You’ll be able to see Mount Craig, your destination (about a 2-mile roundtrip hike), clearly from here. The trail goes through the picnic area, which is in itself very scenic, featuring an abandoned log cabin that’s been refurbished.

As the trail leaves the summit of Mount Mitchell, it descends into an area of alpine forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter stone steps and sometimes pass over exposed rock (which requires some scrambling). The path will be flat in places. Views are visible through gaps in the trees, but this is a wooded trail.

The trail begins to ascend Mount Craig at just under a half a mile. At the top, there’s a plaque marking the peak’s altitude (just 37 feet shorter than Mount Mitchell). From here, you have the option to continue on to Big Tom and the Deep Gap campground (3.5 miles further) or turn around.

Before starting out on your hike, know that the temperature here is often at least 10 (sometimes 20) degrees cooler than in Asheville. Weather conditions can change quickly. In winter, Mount Mitchell State Park may be limited.

The portion of the trail from Mount Mitchell to Mount Craig is more heavily trafficked than the additional sections.

GPS Coordinates 

35°46'02.5"N, 82°15'52.3"W