In the trip planning stage... We (me, wife, 2 teenage kids) expect to spend about 3 days at Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Following that, we're going to Asheville to the Biltmore, etc. Is Mt. Mitchell worth a stop, and if so, for how long, after 3 days at GSMNP where we will be touring, hiking, rafting, etc. (or will it all look the same by then? )

Yes, it's worth a stop.

For a day trip from Asheville, head up the Blue Ridge Parkway, and follow the signs. You can drive most of the way to the top.

You can continue up the parkway and enjoy the views, and visit other sights. Any engineers in the family? Stop at the Linn Cove viaduct pulloff and see the road away from the mountain. It's near Grandfather Mtn. Also some caverns in the area (can't remember the name, but not as good as other places) and then go to Boone and walk around ASU campus. Maybe stop in Banner Elk and walk around.

If you don't want to all the above, I'd say 1/2 day out of Asheville to do Mt. Mitchell and things along the way.

A slightly different opinion - the Parkway is really outstanding but it'll take about an hour each way to go from Asheville to Mt. Mitchell. Once there, you'll see lots of dead trees but also great vistas. Of course, you'll also be on top the highest mountain in eastern America. By the way, it is only about 5 to 10 minutes to the top of the observation tower from the parking lot.

So, if you have the time NCGRRL mentioned, then you should stop by Mt. Mitchell. Otherwise ...

A cool trick if you go. Turn on the radio and every click of the dial produces another radio station from across America - geeky but cool

Mike Honeycutt

Another vote for Mt. Mitchell here, especially if you will already in Asheville.

I believe I heard that the observation tower at the top of Mt. Mitchell was being dismantled? Is that right?

Definitely be prepared for dead trees everywhere on Mt. Mitchell. It's called acid rain. When we were there years ago it was so foggy that being in the observation tower was actually kind of creepy, in a cool sort of way!

I'm not sure of the exact date the observation tower will be replaced, but I found the following article.

Mike Honeycutt

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http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pb.../50719026/1001

http://www.network54.com/Forum/3897/...Mitchell+Tower

Thanks Mike. That new tower doesn't look so bad, but I hate to see the old one go.

Go to Mt. Mitchell. It's certainly worth the trip. A nice stop on the way back would be Black Mountain...fun, artsy little town, good cafes/coffee shops you're kids should find "cool".