From the parking lot, a steep paved path leads visitors to the summit and a raised observation platform with 360 degree views.

The grave of Elisha Mitchell, the professor who first noted the mountain's height, is located at the base of the observation platform.

Most visitors come between May and November because the only access is the Blue Ridge Parkway but Kevin Bischof, who became superintendent late in 2018, hopes to change that.

Another popular destination reachable by trail within the park is Camp Alice, at an elevation of 5800 ft (1767.84 m) south of the summit of Mount Mitchell.

This historic site is the location of a logging and, later, Civilian Conservation Corps tourist camp at the terminus of the old Mount Mitchell toll road.