Peak Baggers Holiday (Labor Day) - Mount Mitchell

This Labor Day weekend, I’m hitting the road to chase my dream of climbing the highest peak in "almost" every state!

On this trip, we will climb the highest points in NC & SC.

Saturday Sep 5^th — Looking Glass Rock - D4

A glorious hike with a granite dome payoff and 360° Pisgah views — we will bring lunch; you'll want to linger at the top. Mica-flecked trail surface that sparkles underfoot (your boots will never be the same).

Stats: 6 miles - 1700 ft Elevation Gain

Looking Glass Rock - AllTrails

Looking Glass Rock - Trailhead

Sunday Sep 6^th — Mount Mitchell Trail - D5

Standing on the highest point east of the Mississippi (6,684 ft) — bragging rights for life.

Mount Mitchell is a tough but well-kept path with a steady climb, beginning on the Briar Bottom Trail from the Black Mountain Campground and then joining the Mount Mitchell Trail. After that, the trail meanders through a thick forest, slowly rising to reach Mount Mitchell State Park and its circular observation deck.

We will be treated to amazing views, and on a clear day, you might even spot Grandfather and Table Rock in the distance! Plus, there’s a small museum, gift shop, snack stand, and restrooms along the way, you might find the facilities a bit busy though because it’s a holiday weekend.

Stats: 12 miles - 3700 ft Elevation Gain

Mount Mitchell Trail - AllTrails

Mount Mitchell Trail - Trailhead

Monday Sep 7^th — Sassafras Mountain via Foothills Trail - D4

This trail follows one of the finest stretches of South Carolina's Foothills Trail. The terrain is varied and keeps us honest — expect rooty, rocky sections, some steep pitches, and a few sets of natural "stairs" broken up by welcome flatter stretches to catch our breath. The payoff is the summit of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina at 3,554 feet. The modern observation platform delivers sweeping panoramic views across three states on a clear day.

Stats: 9 miles - 2200 ft Elevation Gain

Sassafras Mountain - AllTrails

Foothills Trail - Access A4

FOOD

Please pack lunch and breakfast for all days, we can swing by a grocery store before arriving to our accommodations on Saturday, but since it’s a holiday weekend, we might find fewer options and longer lines.

We’ll be having two dinners together—we could go out to a nearby restaurant, or cook a meal at home. We can figure out what works best later.

CLIMATE

Base town Marion: Expect roughly mid-70s for highs, upper-50s for lows — pleasant, mild early-fall weather. 

Mt. Mitchell summit: This is a different climate entirely. Likely upper 50s to mid-60s for highs, with mornings possibly in the 40s. Bring layers — it can feel 15-20°F colder than Marion with wind chill, even on a clear day.

ACCOMMODATIONS

This Scenic and serene mountaintop retreat has wonderful panoramic views and only 25 min drive to Mt. Mitchell trailhead.

The house has 6 bedrooms with one queen size bed in each room.

It's also pet friendly, so if you have severe allergies this house might not be a good option.

8032 Buck Creek Road, Marion NC, 28752

Directions to 8032 Buck Creek Rd

Property Info: https://www.vacasa.com/unit/1037911

PACE

We’ll be moving at a moderate pace, the hikes are so beautiful, we don’t want to rush through them.

LOGISTICS

Let’s try carpooling together! We can figure out the best route as we get closer to the event, keeping everyone’s location in mind.

QUALIFICATIONS

This hike is quite challenging, it’s a “nearly” D6.

To participate, please have completed several vigorous D5 hikes (3300-3600 ft elevation gain) in the last three months. 

In building this group, I will emphasize physical ability, sociability, GRIT and member participation in AOC activities.

TECHNOLOGY

• WhatsApp group text messaging to share information and pictures.
• Google Maps is our tool for driving directions.
• AllTrails for hike navigation.

Please download offline maps for driving directions and AllTrails map in advance, cell service is not reliable everywhere.

C'EST LA VIE

The group will need to adapt to any challenges that arise with flexibility and a positive outlook.

We have a solid plan, but sometimes, things happen, bring an open mind and a fun spirit, that's all we need for an amazing time.

"The Trip Leader(s) for this event has (have) elected either to personally collect the funds that event participants are required to pay, or to require participants to pay funds directly to a third party. No funds will be paid to the Atlanta Outdoor Club for this event. Therefore, by registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following: (1) the monies paid by registrants will not be monitored, managed, or otherwise accounted for by the Atlanta Outdoor Club; (2) that the Atlanta Outdoor Club bears no financial responsibility for this event; and (3) you waive any and all claims against the Atlanta Outdoor Club, and hold the Atlanta Outdoor Club harmless for the loss of any monies you paid for this event.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any paying registrant may request directly from the Trip Leader, prior to the event, a breakdown of funds collected, estimated expenses, and deposits made in anticipation of the event. Following the event, the Trip Leader must complete his or her financial accounting for the event, with supporting documentation, within 30 days of the completion of the event, and a paid registrant may request a breakdown of funds collected, money spent and supporting documentation after that time. If you are unable to obtain requested documentation, please contact the Director of Paid Events."

COST

• DO NOT make any payment to AOC or TL if your name is still on the waitlist.
• AOC fee is Nonrefundable to be paid via PayPal $10. 
• AOC fee is due as soon as your name moved up from the waitlist.
• Trip accommodations cost is $220 per person based on a group of 7 members.
• Nonrefundable Payment to trip leader via Zelle or Venmo due by July 25^th 2026.
• If the group is less or more than 7, I’ll send an updated cost estimate, you can then decide if you still want to join the trip.
• Cost is refundable only if the TL can find somebody suitable to take your spot.
• Lodging cost is shared equally regardless of sleeping arrangements.