The North Carolina state highpoint, Mount Mitchell, is the highest point in the US that is East of the Mississippi River.
Logistically it is simple to climb Mount Mitchell, as it boasts a convenient parking lot just 100′ from the summit and a paved path to reach it. However, my traveling companions and I wanted to get some exercise so we parked at the ranger station on highway 128 and hiked the couple of miles to the summit. This was a pleasant and shaded stroll with some minor steep sections to work up a sweat. It feels better to “earn” a summit even when there is a simpler option of driving.
