Mt. Mitchell

Today we were able to visit Mt. Mitchell State Park, location of the highest peak in North Carolina lies, over 6000 ft. The normal route to get here is by taking the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. We tried yesterday and it was closed due to icey road conditions. Today we arrived by taking a 12 mile twisty singe track dirt road. Arriving at the visitor center, in this picture, the fog, wind, and cold had kept the visitors away. The extra is of Shelby, the ranger in charge, who said on days like today, she gets a lot of reading done. The place was EMPTY.

This afternoon, we visited Chimney Rock State Park and the Hickory Nut Falls (second extra). This is the only park with an entrance fee to help pay for an elevator that goes up the center of the mountain, 26 floors. It reminds me of the Eagles Nest on the border of Germany and Austria, only far less elaborate. We also stopped by the Crowders Mountain State Park.