Dr. Elisha Mitchell is buried at the base of the tower, and a marker honors his work. A small nature museum halfway up the trail from the parking area to the tower is fun for children. In this rustic structure, dioramas and recordings give you a feel for the mountain's special plants and wildlife, and you can easily imagine the extremes of weather often found on lofty Mount Mitchell. The parking area at the base of the summit is surrounded by a 40-table picnic area with stone grills and drinking water. Two sites have fireplaces under shelter and are often used for group picnics.
Hiking trails branch off in several directions from the parking area.
Look for the white-tailed deer that on occasion venture close to this area. Stop at the Ranger Station at the entrance to the park for information on hiking, camping and maps of trail areas both along the ridge and down the mountain. This is tent camping only, no RVs. Restrooms are nearby, but no showers or hot water are available. For day visitors who crave sustenance at this mile-high peak, try the concession stand at the summit for light snacks.