Mount Mitchell State Park in North Carolina preserves the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, and several other towering Black Mountains summits. Established in 1915 as North Carolina’s first state park, it also marked the creation of the state parks system. Trails and a paved summit path lead to broad views, the grave of Elisha Mitchell, and sites such as Camp Alice, a former logging and Civilian Conservation Corps camp. The park’s spruce-fir forests, high streams, and historic facilities make it a major Southern Appalachians destination, though weather and Blue Ridge Parkway access strongly shape visitation.