The Black Mountain Crest Trail is an ~11 mile trail journeying from Bowlens Creek to the summit of Mount Mitchell. You can do the trail as an out-and-back in one big push, as an overnight backpacking trip, or as a point-to-point by getting a ride at the top or parking a car at the summit parking lot.
The trail begins on an old forest road after crossing a creek (either getting your feet wet or crossing an old, rickety bridge). There are limited parking spots near the start.
Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. You can plan to cross over several 6,000 foot peaks during your trek from here to the high point.