The Beginning of Something Big: A New Adventure (#1 Mt Mitchell)

In this video, join me as I embark on an exciting new challenge: hiking to the highest points in all 50 states without requiring mountaineering or scrambling. I start this adventure at the airport, preparing to conquer the first peak. This challenge aims to find trails that lead to the highest elevations on public land, ensuring they are accessible for avid hikers like you. My journey begins with a flight and a drive to the trailhead, equipped with essential gear and a positive mindset.

The first peak on my list is Mount Mitchell in North Carolina. Despite the early start and challenging conditions, including high humidity and steep trails, the hike offers a rewarding experience with beautiful views of the East Coast's natural landscape. Along the way, I encounter various trail conditions, from switchbacks to rocky sections, all marked with helpful trail markers. The culmination of this hike is a scenic summit accessible to both hikers and casual visitors, providing a sense of accomplishment and stunning vistas.

Throughout this series, I plan to document each peak, sharing detailed guides and live streams to engage with you and gather input on which peaks are hikable. Stay tuned for more updates and guides on my channel, including a comprehensive guide to hiking Mount Mitchell. Join me on this adventure, and let's explore the highest points across the United States together!

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[HuskyMike]

This is going to be a great series. Looking forward to the rest.

[mairisie]

Just got back to 5 miles and going for a 8 mile one next here in So Cal. Love that you are doing this .

[steadmanuhlich]

Great idea for a hiking series. I wish you luck, good weather, no tick bites, light loads on your back, but loads of good memories. Keep on hiking!

[iainhikes]

Can't wait to watch - "May the roads rise up to meet you"!

[MikeRyder-mlmb]

Mt Washington (6288’) is the highest hike-able point summit in New Hampshire. Many ways up/down: Tuckerman Ravine Trail is one of the most challenging. Ammonosuc Ravine Trail up and Jewell down is a popular loop. Food (and tourists) at the top. Get your classic picture at the peak sign. If you get tired you can take the Cog Railway down or hitch a ride down the auto road. Be sure to plan to return to the same side of the mountain you started at (lots of trails at the peak, easy to go down a different side of the mountain). Web sites available to check summit weather and trail conditions. Looking forward to this series!

[JimL]

As soon as I saw South Toe, I knew where you were. As you can see from my picture, this is my area 😊

[johnhallford]

Have fun. Stay safe. Im looking forward to seeing them.

[denniskirschbaum]

Sounds like a great adventure! Enjoy the hikes! Looking forward to following your journey!

[JasonRaneses]

Definitely will be following along. This is quite the bucket list challenge 😎

[luannproctor]

The spiderweb was hard to miss yes🎉😂😂😂 3:32

[sierraseb]

Fun! Going to be a very entertaining and informative series. Good Luck &Thanks for bringing us along 😍

[pattidoyle]

I am so stoked about following this adventure!

[bindraussen]

When you come to Germany 🇩🇪 we go for a hike to Zugspitze in Garmisch. 🎉

[jacquitodd]

Love that you started where it all began for me! Nice job on the completion of #1!!

[kasai]

Hey! I'm an Idaho resident and a bit of a trail/geography/mapping obsessive, so I wanted to give you some insight and probably save you some time for finding the highest trailed peak in Idaho.

Most trails to peaks in the state are going to be to old fire lookouts. The highest of these is Twin Peaks Lookout at 10394 ft, which has a rough road to the top but no trail. The second highest is Taylor Mountain at 9960. There used to be a trail to the top of this one but it's no longer maintained. Reportedly, it's pretty sketchy. I wouldn't really count it as class 1. Going down the list of fire lookouts, your best bet is probably Lookout Mountain, elevation 9954 ft (NOT to be confused with lookout mountain near Coolin, ID). From what I've heard this hike has pretty spectacular views of the Sawtooth range across the valley. There is not a lot of information on the hike, though from what I can gather the trail is maintained. This isn't a perfect option, and it's a tough hike. You're looking at about 18 miles round trip with 5, 000ft of climbing. But as far as an *officially* named peak goes, this is the highest you'll be able to get on a trail.

So what else is there? Well, there are a few options, depending on your criteria. I'm assuming you want something that's on a trail. If you are ok with climbing a road, Big Windy Peak in the Lemhi Range (10, 400ft) is as high as you can get. What about pure trail? I've found one other obscure option: Annie's Peak. Also in the Lemhi Range, this unofficially named peak caps out at 10, 288ft. If you're looking for a peak reachable via trail, this is (almost 100% surely) the highest you're going to get. There's little to no information online, but the trail is clearly visible on last year's satellite imagery and the trailhead you start at is pretty popular, at least for the Lemhi Range. So provided you have a car that can get to the trailhead, you should be able to pull it off. The Lemhi Range is very beautiful but also very quiet. You don't really see many people there.

Lastly, I'll cover some info about higher peaks and higher trails. There are 9 peaks in Idaho above 12, 000 ft. All but one are class 3+ to the summit. Hyndman peak is class 2, but it's still absolutely not a trail. There ARE some higher trails than the peaks I mentioned, but these trails go to passes and basins, not a mountaintop. The highest I know of is Standhope Pass in the Pioneer mountains, which just barely squeaks over 11, 000 ft (if you can't find it, it's at the end of Broad Canyon. I've hiked this one myself, very beautiful trail!). There are very few other trails even remotely that high. In fact, I don't know of another trail in Idaho above 10, 200 ft. The best I know of is the end of the Boulder Chain Lakes Trail which reaches about 10, 150. There are maybe a dozen high mountain passes scattered through central Idaho above 9, 500ft, along with a few fire lookouts. Most of our peaks above 10, 000ft are too rugged for a trail. I hope this is helpful!

TL;DR Annie's Peak in the Lemhi Range at 10, 288 ft is the highest mountaintop you can reach on a currently maintained trail in the state of Idaho. Lookout Mountain at 9954 ft is the highest officially named mountaintop you can reach on a trail.

[jr.]

You were close to VA highest peak, Mt. Rogers! I've done Mt. Mitchell & Mt. Rogers, both awesome places to go.

[rtdorion]

Very cool, what a great idea! I’m rooting for you and will be following along!
🥾😃

[mattheworea]

Most underrated hiking channel on youtube !! Can't wait to see your journey Chris ! Its gonna be an awesome adventure 😎

[shawnieadams]

You had a free rider! Thanks for pointing out the spider web. 😁

[LoriBethBernat]

I am so excited for this! I needed a new challenge and visiting all 50 states is on my wish list!