Mount Mitchell

I set off this morning determined to loosen up some sore leg muscles and headed north along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak this side of the Mississippi at just over 2000metres (left of picture). The road goes pretty much to the top of the mountain but from there you can hike along the top of the ridge for as far as you want. I went along for 5 peaks and back which took a good part of the day. The weather was starting to look inclement as I returned to the car so I timed it well. There was still a little snow along the path I hiked so it was a bit chilly on the exposed peaks but very pleasant when sheltered by trees.

I returned to Asheville via meandering forest roads over hills and dales, past babbling brooks and peaceful lakes. Oh so pretty.