The Black Mountain Range is the Highest Mountain Range in Eastern America. The Range is shaped like the letter 'J'. Celo Knob would be the top of the letter J and Point Misery would be the bottom curve of the letter J. This composite was taken from Little Butt Mountain which is on the west side of the Range. Big Butt (also known as Yeates Knob) would be at the top of the bottom curve. The Black Range is small compared to the Blue Ridge or Smokies. It is just 15 miles in length between Celo Knob and Big Butt. Mt. Mitchell is the highest peak in the range at 6,684 feet. Mt. Mitchell is a State Park and the Park runs north as far as Cattail Peak (also called Balsam Cone). The rest of the Range is within Pisgah National Forest land.

This is an excellent area for high elevation hikes. Usually cooler hiking in Summer -- record high at Mt. Mitchell is only 84 degrees. I've personally never seen a poisonous snake at this elevation - that doesn't mean you will not encounter a snake, but they do seem to be somewhat rare above 5,500 feet. The Black Mountain Trail follows the crest of the eastern section and the Big Butt Trail follows the southern and western section from Balsam Gap. Prepare for all kinds of weather and sudden changes in weather. Even in mid Summer temperatures can drop to the 40's and watch out for low clouds, hail and electrical storms.