NSS Convention 2026

Over the years, the North Carolina Cave Survey has documented a half dozen small caves on Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the U.S. east of the Mississippi. Most are relatively unknown, but one rock shelter near the summit became such a popular-and indeed necessary- campsite in the 1800's, it became known simply as "Camp Rock", or more poetically "The Black Mountain Hotel." Upon making the arduous climb up to the mountain summit at that time, countless adventurers spent the night beneath this massive rock overhang, many with colorful stories to tell of their experiences. Their adventures were vividly recounted in numerous nineteenth century books penned by such popular authors of the era as Alberta Pierson Hannum, Christian Reed, John Preston Arthur, Ida Chunn, Ziegler and Grosscup, Edwin Gatchell, and Margaret Morley.

Today, Mount Mitchell State Park is a bustling tourist destination in North Carolina. The summit is reached by a short, steep walk from the parking lot. Once at the top, an easy hike down the park's Balsam Trail leads to the historic Black Mountain Hotel where one can still see the carved initials and dates of early adventurers.