The ascent of Mount Mitchell is now rather easy , since a road ( NC 128 ) off the historic and scenic Blue Ridge Parkway runs nearby , and a trail leads through a conifer forest to the summit .
The ascent of Mount Mitchell is now rather easy , since a 4.6 miles ( 7.4 km ) road ( NC 128 ) off the historic and scenic Blue Ridge Parkway runs nearby , and a 980-foot ( 300 m ) trail leads through a conifer forest to the summit .