Summer is in full swing in the mountains, and while the average temperatures in Asheville don’t typically exceed the mid-80s, late July and August tend to produce the hottest days of the season which begs the question: where do we go to beat the summer heat? While most opt for a refreshing body of water, some Asheville area hikes might also do the trick in cooling you down.
Stay Cool in Mount Mitchell, NC
Since mountaintops are colder than areas closer to sea level, they’re a great destination for those sultry summer days when the heat feels inescapable. Holding the record for the coldest mountain peak in the state, Mount Mitchell, NC is also, unsurprisingly, the highest point East of the Mississippi River. For travelers looking to enjoy access to the peak and its corresponding state park, we’ve compiled a list of 5 “cool” vacation cabins under an hour away from the coolest mountain peak in NC:
Red Barn Retreat
Historic charm beautifully melds with modern style at Red Barn Retreat! Located in Weaverville on an expansive 3.5 acres, this thoughtfully converted, Century-Old Pole Barn provides plenty of space to pause and rest—whether you’re relaxing in the screened gazebo overlooking the pond, practicing yoga or painting in the private studio (stocked with mats, bolsters, and an art easel), or soaking up the sun on the studio deck.
Filled with curated art and games, the home’s interior is not only an art lover's paradise but an entertainment center. Play endless rounds of ping pong, darts, Connect 4, and cornhole in the converted garage game room, and from May to September take advantage of the fully fenced pool area with 6 lounge chairs. While the private pool is open seasonally, the gas grill and screened-in porch with a hot tub can be enjoyed year-round. In the Fall, stand in awe of the color-changing foliage and dancing fireflies.
Mountain Over Main Street
Located less than 1 mile from picturesque downtown Weaverville, this stunning and contemporary mountain gem overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mountain Over Main Street offers a charming living room complete with a 60" Smart TV so you can stream your favorite binge-worthy shows and movies along with an adorable screened-in porch with 3 swings, a couch, and a coffee table so you can watch the wind rustling the leaves as you read, meditate, sneak a little nap. Use the gas grill to whip up delicious summer favorites before dining al fresco on the deck.
After dinner, hang out in the bonus room around the wood-burning stove before playing board games or putting together a puzzle. Before saying goodnight, listen to the fire crackle as you rest on the natural stone seating around the fire pit, and treat yourself to a s’more or two (you’re on vacation, so treats don’t count)!
Not only is this modern gem filled with chic interior features, the garden framing the home is filled with lush native plants, and the covered front porch with mountain views is the stuff postcards are made of. Don’t miss exploring downtown Weaverville, playing some golf at Reems Creek, or ziplining at Navitat Canopy Adventures before the end of your stay. You’re sure to leave Mountain Over Main Street with treasured memories you’ll relive time and time again!
Cubs Den Cabin + Deer Field Cabin
Located in "Heart Ridge Cove" in Burnsville/Mars Hill, this log cabin duo was recently constructed and is nestled on over 100 private acres with timber roads throughout and exceptional long-range mountain views, including Mt Mitchell and Craggy Pinnacle Summit. Both cabins are thoughtfully designed with two primary bedrooms, each with a king-size bed and an en suite bathroom with a clawfoot soaking tub and walk-in shower.
The main levels boast an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining space with a custom-built ”local oak” island and access to a spacious covered deck with 4 log-style rocking chairs to watch the mountains come alive across the cove.
The living room embodies the ambiance of a cozy mountain lodge with its gas fireplace and cowhide print furniture. The gas grill and outdoor fire pit provide opportunities for quality time together— whether your group is whipping up dinner, swapping stories, or making s'mores.
If traveling with a larger group, these close-to-identical cabins are the perfect choice. True to its name, "Heart Ridge Cove" has a property line shaped like a heart and is a project of the heart for the homeowners. A luxury log cabin experience awaits you at both Cubs Den Cabin and Deer Field Cabin!
Blue Ridge Bliss
Named one of the "Best Vacation Rentals in Asheville" by Business Insider, this beautiful blue-hued home perched atop nearly 10 wooded acres in Weaverville offers privacy, breathtaking views, and a combination of luxury amenities and rustic charm. Completely renovated in 2009, Blue Ridge Bliss features a stunning, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, hardwood floors, tongue-and-groove cedar paneling, and 180-degree postcard-worthy views of mountains and sunsets. While cooking or just taking it easy, listen to your favorite songs or podcasts through six Bluetooth-connected ceiling speakers in the loft and main level.
Dine al fresco on the large wraparound porch while taking in the unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the lower-level stone patio, take a nap or read that book you’ve been meaning to in one of the hammocks under the covered deck, soak in the in-ground hot tub, and cozy up around the open-air fire pit. At this secluded vacation spot, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to your own slice of mountain paradise!
Hudson's Peak on Leisure Mountain
The first thing that comes to mind with this unique Asheville vacation home is views, views, views! Constructed in the 70s as an off-the-grid mountain retreat, it’s been lovingly upgraded with modern amenities over the years. Overlooking the Reems Creek Valley, you’ll love waking up to the views this home has to offer. Since the front of the home is lined with sliding glass doors, you can take in the view while relaxing inside or on the easily accessible expansive deck! Start your day by stepping outside with your morning coffee to watch the fog roll across the mountains and the sky change colors.
The fire pit area is the perfect spot for discussing the day’s adventures and planning the ones you’ll go on tomorrow. While this home is just 3 miles from the shops, restaurants, and entertainment of downtown Weaverville (and only 8 miles from downtown Asheville), it’s privately tucked away to avoid the hustle and bustle, and wildlife sightings are common—from turkeys, foxes, hawks, bears, and more!
The Best Time to Visit Mount Mitchell
Since our region experiences four distinct seasons, the best time to visit will depend on what you want to see/do. You can generally count on the state park being open from April to October, with November, December, January, February, and March heavily depending on weather conditions being snowy or icy.
The museum, concession stand, gift shop, and restaurant are open daily from May to October if you’re hoping to enjoy those amenities in addition to hiking and views. If you’re hoping to catch some early signs of fall color, head to the park in early October. Keep in mind that the summit is primarily evergreen balsam trees, so the fall color tends to be on the roadsides leading up to it and the mountains below once at the top. The contrast of the evergreens against the vibrant orange, red, and yellow leaves is striking.
If you’re hoping to beat the crowds, the shoulder months of September and March are great times to check out the park. No matter the time of year you visit, you should account for the temperature being 15-25 degrees cooler than in Asheville. For this reason, we recommend heading to the “Highest Peak East of the Mississippi” during the peak summer months of July and August to escape the heat and enjoy a much-needed cooldown.
Weather for Mount Mitchell
As mentioned, the temperature atop Mount Mitchell is an average of 20 degrees cooler than downtown Asheville, but clouds are also a factor. At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell's summit is actually in the clouds which often prohibits long-range views. We recommend checking the forecast before visiting to see if the sky will be clear and views will be visible. However, even with checking ahead of time, the weather changes frequently, and clouds will always be present in one form or another. Before heading out, we also recommend bringing those extra layers, even if you’re ready to embrace the cool temps. You’ll regret not bringing along that extra flannel or coat–trust us!
Directions to Mount Mitchell + How to Drive to the Top of Mount Mitchell
For those who want to enjoy the highest peak without climbing their way to the top, you’ll be happy to hear that Mount Mitchell State Park is actually located at milepost 355.4 along the Blue Ridge Parkway—aka America's Favorite Drive— just 35 miles northeast of Asheville. The entrance to the park is well-signed, and it’s approximately a 4.5-mile drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the summit parking area.
Please take note that there are 3 parking lots inside the park—the first is at the park headquarters, the second is at the restaurant, and the third is near the summit. For the shortest walk, park at the summit parking area which is the last one. From the parking area, walk along the handicap-accessible 280-yard paved path to the summit observation deck (approximately a 10-12 minute walk).
If the north entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville and Mount Mitchell happens to be closed due to inclement weather like snow or ice, you can take I-40 east from Asheville to the south entrance. Traveling this route, you’ll take Exit 72 in Old Fort to U.S. 70, and drive approximately 10 miles to NC Highway 80. Keep driving on NC Highway 80 for eight miles to reach the Blue Ridge Parkway, and then continue driving south until you reach the park entrance.
How Hard Is It to Climb Mount Mitchell
Mt Mitchell State Park has eight hiking trails ranging in difficulty and length, which is great for beginners and experts alike. If you’re interested in hiking the strenuous Mount Mitchell Hike of the park’s namesake, the trailhead is actually located outside the park at the Black Mountain Campground on S. Toe River Rd.
Hiking Mount Mitchell has a reputation for being difficult—it is the highest peak in the region after all. While that reputation is certainly true to some extent, the campground where the hike begins is situated at 3000 ft in elevation, so the difference from the base to the top isn't super high. Even so, this blue diamond blaze trail has one of the highest elevation changes of any single-name trail in the region at 3600 ft, and it’s 5.6 miles one way. Ultimately though, there are trails in the region that surpass its difficulty level. Every hiker is different, and how difficult you find the hike and the duration of your journey will depend on your fitness level and experience. A safe assumption is that this epic hike is quite tough, so consider every aspect to ensure you're up to the challenge!
Speaking of epic challenges, the Mount Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon is a race that takes place every February. The 40-mile trek begins at dawn in Black Mountain and follows trails to the "rooftop" of Western North Carolina (aka Mount Mitchell’s 6,684-foot summit) before returning to the start/finish area. Starting at 2,360', the elevation gain for this 40-mile run will be 4,324' in the first 20 miles! Registration for these coveted race spots opens in July and fills up fast!
Other Things to Note
Your fur babies are welcome at this state park, but make sure they’re on a leash at all times and you pick up after them along the way. Mt Mitchell Cafe & Eatery is first come, first served with no reservations. While the park has no entrance fee, most educational experiences require advance registration. If traveling with kiddos, we recommend attending the “Ask a Ranger” session where they discuss their collection of animal mounts and natural history items. The park also provides activity guides like “Meet the Beetles” and “Little Scavenger Hunt” to keep your Junior Rangers entertained and engaged while exploring.
Ready to Book Your Cool Getaway + Save?
Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply a cool-weather chaser, our Asheville vacation rentals are ideally located to help you soak up the summer sun and rest in the shade. With 130+ Asheville cabins on special this July and August, savings and making the most of your summer vacation go hand in hand. Don’t wait to book your mountain stay today!