Mt.+Mitchell+Fitness+Test

=Mt. Mitchell Trail Fitness Test=

This one is as straightforward as they come - start at the Mt. Mitchell Trailhead between Black Mountain Campground and Briar Bottom Campground and follow the Mitchell Trail all the way to the summit - stop and record your time when you hit the top of the viewing platform on the summit. You can choose the single climb option or the loop where you head back down the same trail and record your total time back to the trailhead at the base. Stay on the Mitchell Trail instead of taking the side spur to Higgins Bald (which is the Mountains to Sea Trail route).

This is a rugged trail that gains 3689 feet in a little more than 5.6 miles - it is as pure of a climb you can find in the WNC area. Regardless of the time of year you will likely encounter numerous hikers on the trail so be courteous. Yaktrax or some other traction devices (screws, etc.) are strongly advised for a winter climb as the trail is typically ice-covered in many places.

For those that might not want to bomb back down for the "loop" challenge, but want a longer (and easier on the legs) loop back to the trailhead area, take NC 128 down to the Parkway, left, go about 3.1 miles and left on South Toe River Road (dirt) back to the Black Mountain Campground and trail parking area. For more challenging terrain extend the run by heading north on the Black Mountain Crest Trail.

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__Times__
__//** Single Serve **//__

__//Maniac (Sub 1:15)//__
12.7.16 - Brandon Smith: 1:10:29 5.3.17 - Brandon Smith: 1:08:18

__//Monster (1:15 - 1:30)//__
11-5-15- Joseph Quinlan: 1:28:30 8-5-15 - Brandon Smith: 1:28:11 12-5-15 - Brandon Smith: 1:22:10 (1st Lap) 6.7.16- Adam Hill: 1:15:49 9.19.16 - Jonathan Ibach: 1:16:06

__//Mountain Goat (1:30 - 1:45)//__
7-9-15 - Brandon Thrower: 1:35:06

__//Mountaineer (1:45 - 2:00)//__
8-29-2015 - Charles Raffensperger: 1:46:44 12-5-15 - Brandon Smith: 1:52:54 (2nd Lap) 11-1-17- Sean Lebow: 1:52:11

__//** Double Scoop **//__

__//XMan (Sub 2:15)//__
6.7.16- Adam Hill: 2:05:38 (48:40 down) 12.7.16 - Brandon Smith: 1:58:55 5.3.17 - Brandon Smith: 1:54:20 (46:02 down)

__//Megalodon (2:15 - 2:35)//__
11-5-15- Joseph Quinlan: 2:27:54 12-5-15 - Brandon Smith: 2:23:55 (1st Lap)

__//Herr Mountaineer (2:55 - 3:20)//__
12-5-15 - Brandon Smith: 3:06:36 (2nd Lap)