Green Knob(edit)

Overview

This is a steep, but pleasant one way trail between the Mount Mitchell Trailhead and the Green Knob Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Starting from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the trailhead begins about 50-100 ft up the road to the NE from the Green Knob Overlook. There is a short climb gaining a few hundred feet to reach Green Knob. The main attraction is the old fire tower, which is usually locked, but offers beautiful views up the steps you can still climb.

After Green Knob, there is a relatively steep descent around 1,900 ft to the trailhead and parking area for the Mt Mitchell Trail near Black Mountain Campground.

If doing the trail the other direction toward the Blue Ridge Parkway, you will ascend ~1,900 ft, and it is a more strenuous hike.

This trail goes by Green Knob and Black Mountain Campground.

Getting Started

If starting from the Blue Ridge Parkway, you will park and begin hiking from the Green Knob Overlook at milepost 350.4. If starting from the Mt Mitchell Trailhead, there is a good parking area located across the road from the Black Mountain Campground.
Note that it may be a ~30 min shuttle each 1-way between the 2 trailheads.
https://goo.gl/maps/JLfMGrK1hvbEiMZB9

Taking Children

Some steep climbs, but no particular hazards. Caution needed at fire tower steps, of course.