On Saturday August 10, 2024, your host Julie "Jester" Gayheart embarked on an exhilarating hike to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Recording from the Black Mountain Campground in Western North Carolina. Julie shared fascinating historical insights from Peter Barr's book, Hiking North Carolina's Lookout Towers. She details the challenge and beauty of climbing 3,684 feet over 6 miles, making regular check-ins along the strenuous trail. Experience her journey through rhododendron tunnels, rocky switchbacks, and rich Appalachian landscapes, culminating at Dr. Elisha Mitchell's summit gravesite. This episode is dedicated to Peter Barr, a significant figure in North Carolina hiking, who recently underwent brain surgery. Strap in for a heartfelt and inspiring adventure on Mount Mitchell. 

Resources For Hiking Mt. Mitchell: 

Hiking North Carolina Lookout Towers: https://blairpub.com/shop/p/exploring-north-carolinas-lookout-towers  

NC High Peaks Association: https://nchighpeaks.org/ 

Carolina Mountain Club: https://carolinamountainclub.org/ 

Black Mountain Campground: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273780 

Far Out App: https://faroutguides.com/ 

Go Fund Me For Peter Barr: https://www.gofundme.com/f/peter-barrs-recovery-from-brain-surgery 

Podcast Episode With Peter Barr: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-70-peter-j-barr-whippersnap/ 

Mt. Mitchell Podcast From 9/19/2020: https://www.hikingradionetwork.com/show/jester-section-hiker/episode-41-jester-hikes-to-mt-mitchell/ 

Connect With Jester:

Email: [email protected]

Jester's Gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5wx7IWX7G0 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayheart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jestersectionhiker/

Allegheny Trail (Trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpggXI74Qec 

SAFE AND FOUND: https://safe-and-found.com

Music By: Victor Lundberg "Top of The Morning"