The Mountains to Sea Trail, when finished will be over 900 miles long and will be North Carolina’s longest trail. It will link the mountains in the West to the Coastal Plain in the East. The trail starts at Clingman’s dome which is the highest point in Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, travels through Mount Mitchell State Park and Mount Mitchell, which is the highest point in the entire Appalachian chain, and through Jockey’s Ridge State Park, which is highest sand due on the East Coast.
Along the way there are many day hikes, and hikes for all skill levels, from easy to very strenuous and at present sections of foot paths are linked with roads and state bicycle routes.
While driving the Parkway and hiking in North Carolina’s State Parks, look for the distinctive sign (shown above) and a trail with circular white blazes to identify the Mountains to Sea Trail.
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is being built and maintained by trail clubs, local communities, and state parks. It passes through 37 counties and showcases the state’s diverse landscape —hardwood forests and tea-colored swamps, fading tobacco crossroads and reviving urban centers, courthouse square towns and rugged gorges, remote lighthouses and mountain overlooks. It travels through three national parks, two national wildlife refuges, three national forests and passes three lighthouses.
The Mountain to Sea trail is divided into 38 sections and are numbered from west to east.
Section 1: Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Approximately 27 miles
This beautiful section of the MST runs from Clingmans Dome to the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The MST follows nine trails through the park including 3.5 miles of the Appalachian Trail, the only place the Mountains to Sea Trail overlaps the Appalachian Trail. Permits are required to camp at Deep Creek Valley and Smokemont campgrounds. This is an excellent weekend hiking trip!
Section 2-3: Oconaluftee River to Balsam Gap South
Approximately 30 miles
The route is entirely on a four-lane road with a wide shoulder. Camping is available about half way through this section at Tuckaseegee Outfitters at 4909 Hwy 74, Whittier. Please contact them before you arrive.
Resupply is also easy in this area as the route takes you through the small towns of Cherokee, Qualla, Dillsboro and Sylva.
Section 4: Balsam Gap South on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Bear Pen Gap in the Nantahala National Forest
Approximately 24 miles
The Mountains to Sea Trail ascends from the Blue Ridge Parkway into the Nantahala National Forest on trails and old forest roads. Wildflowers are abundant. No-trace camping is allowed on national forest land.
Section 5: The Mile-High Section in the Pisgah National Forest
Approximately 8 miles
This section runs Bear Pen Gap in the Nantahala National Forest to Beech Gap at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and NC-215.
The trail remains more than one mile above sea level the entire distance. Use caution in following the trail because no blazes or signs are allowed in this wilderness area in the Pisgah National Forest. No-trace camping is allowed on national forest land.
Section 6: Beech Gap to the Pisgah Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Approximately 21 miles
This section includes Devil’s Courthouse, Graveyard Fields,Looking Glass Rock and “Skinny Dip Falls.” This section has a primary route which follows along the Blue Ridge Parkway and an alternate route further to the west within the Pisgah National Forest. Camping is allowed only national forest land
Section 7: Pisgah Inn to Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Approximately 31 miles
About eighteen miles of this section follow the Shut-In Trail, which was originally built by George Vanderbilt to connect his Biltmore Estate to his Buck Spring Lodge. The MST leaves the Shut-In Trail at the NC Arboretum, crosses the French Broad River and continues along the Parkway to the Folk Art Center just outside of Asheville. Camping is very limited in this section and not allowed on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lodging is available in nearby communities.
Section 8: Folk Art Center to Balsam Gap North on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Approximately 22 miles
The trail in this “roller coaster” section takes you past wildflower gardens, abundant wildlife and features such as Rattlesnake Lodge, Craggy Gardens, and Glassmine Falls. No camping on the trail. Lodging available in towns or on nearby Pisgah National Forest.
Section 9: Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains
Approximately 23 miles
This section takes you to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, and the site of North Carolina’s first state park. The trail runs from Balsam Gap North at milepost 360 to Buck Creek Gap (NC-80) at milepost 344 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Camping is available in the Pisgah National Forest off trail and in the Black Mountain Campground and by permit in Mt. Mitchell State Park
Section 10: Woods Mountain Trail
Approximately 13 miles
This section stretches from Buck Creek Gap at milepost 344 on the Blue Ridge Parkway to Woodlawn Park on US-221. The trail takes you into the Pisgah National Forest and offers outstanding views of Grandfather Mountain and other peaks an abundant wildlife and native plants. This is an excellent day hike. No trace camping is allowed in the national forest
Section 11: Linville Mountains and Gorge
Approximately 35 miles
This section which runs from Woodlawn Park on US-221 north of Marion to Ripshin Ridge on NC-181 is one of the most beautiful sections of the MST but also the most challenging. The hike through Linville Gorge and views from Shortoff Mountain and Table Rock are gorgeous. The section has very steep climbs up Bald Knob, Dobson Knob and Shortoff Mountain. FMST has built a footbridge over the North Fork of the Catawba River, but the Linville River and three smaller creeks must be waded. A recent forest fire has made following the trail more challenging, particularly in the Linville Gorge wilderness where signs and blazes are not permitted. No trace camping is permitted throughout the section.
Section 12: Waterfall Backpack through the Pisgah National Forest
Approximately 24 miles
The Mountains to Sea Trail passes many waterfalls and pools in this beautiful section through the Pisgah National Forest between NC 181 and Beacon Heights on the Blue Ridge Parkway. No trace camping is available throughout the forest, but not allowed when you reach the Blue Ridge Parkway. The east trailhead is near the entrance to Grandfather Mountain.
Section 13: Tanawha and Boone Fork Trails to Moses Cone Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Approximately 25 miles
This section of trail begins at Beacon Heights on the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305. It follows the beauifully-engineered Tanawha Trail, which takes you under the Linn Cove Viaduct and past Grandfather Mountain. At Price Park along the Parkway you begin following the Boone Fork Trail, famous for its wildlflower display, and then on to the old carriage road trails at Moses Cone Park. The only camping in this section is by reservation at Price Park near milepost 295.
Section 14: Blowing Rock to Deep Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Section 14 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail extends from U.S. 321 at Blowing Rock to U.S. 421 at Deep Gap. It features some of the most recently built footpath along the statewide trail. Variety distinguishes this stretch of the MST: deep forest walks, rolling pastures, stone outcroppings, and stop-and-stare, long-range views of the Yadkin River Valley and distant mountain ridges.
Section 15: Deep Gap to Horse Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Approximately 16 miles
Section 15 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail stretches between U.S. 421 at Deep Gap and N.C. 16 at Horse Gap, a distance of about 16 miles. Volunteers completed this section of dedicated footpath in 2010, relocating the trail from the shoulder of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The South Ashe section includes numerous scenic overlooks, a waterfall, deep woods, pasture and pioneer cabins. The hiking is mostly moderate with some short strenuous climbs.
The trail frequently crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing hikers numerous access points along this section. Look for the sign posts with the white dot, white arrow and hiker symbol that mark the entry and exit points of the trail near parkway crossings. Once on the trail, the path is marked with three-inch white circular blazes. Parking is allowed in parking lots and along the shoulder of the parkway anywhere there is enough room to park a vehicle at least four feet from the edge of the pavement.
To reach the trail from Deep Gap, the most convenient access point is at milepost 276.2 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, just north of the U.S. 421 bridge. Parking is permitted in a small grassy cove on the east side of the parkway. The trail enters the woods from the parkway shoulder near the “Roanoke” sign just north of this clearing. As you head north, additional access points are located near MP 274.1 at the Jeffress Park sign on the parkway; at the Tompkins Knob Overlook on the parkway at MP 272.5; at the Cascades Picnic Area at MP 272; at Phillips Gap at MP 269.8, and at Benge Gap at MP 268 in a grassy area across from the old Park Vista Motel.
Closer to the northern end of Section 15, hikers can reach the trail at the junction of Blue Ridge Church Road at Callaway Gap at MP 265.2; in a open field adjacent on the west side of the parkway at MP 263.2; at Daniel’s Gap (unmarked) at MP 262.2 and just south of the N.C. 16 bridge at MP 261.3 on the east side of the parkway.
The trail is about 3,100-feet elevation at U.S. 421 near Deep Gap. It climbs to about 4,000 feet on the north slope of Tompkins Knob. The trail gradually descends to about 3,100 feet elevation approaching N.C. 16 at Horse Gap.
Among the points of interest in Section 15, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail passes for about 2.9 miles through E.B. Jeffress Park, a small recreation area from MP 271.2 to MP 274.1 of the parkway. The park features Cascades Trail nature loop with views of Falls Creek including Cascade Falls, a scenic waterfall. The park also includes Cascades Picnic area, which has potable water and picnic tables. There also are public restrooms that are open from May to November.
Near Tompkins Knob Overlook parking area at MP 272.5, a half-mile trail leads to a pioneer cabin and a church and the Cascades Picnic area.
Hikers may see dramatic long-range views from the trail near the following locations:
There is no overnight camping on this section of the trail.
Section 16: Horse Gap to Laurel Springs on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Approximately 16 miles
This section of trail with occasional road crossings between NC 16 and Nc 18 has many beautiful views of pasture, valleys, mountains and deep woods in Ashe, Alleghany and Wilkes counties. No camping permitted.
Section 17: Laurel Springs to Devils Garden Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Approximately 14 miles
Note: a portion of this section is currently closed, and the Blue Ridge Parkway has recommended a detour.
This section of trail with a few road crossings has beautiful views of pasture, valleys, mountains and deep woods in Alleghany and Wilkes counties. Seven miles of the section is within the boundaries of Doughton Park. On clear days, the area offers views of Mt. Rogers in Virginia. Camp sites may be reserved in the park
Section 18: Devils Garden Overlook to Stone Mountain State Park
Approximately 9 miles
From Devil’s Garden Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the trail heads into Stone Mountain State Park following Widow’s Creek and Stone Mountain trails to the visitor center. Camping is available in the park by reservation only
Section 19: Stone Mountain State Park to I-77 on North Trace Bike Route #4
Approximately 20 miles
This section follows backroads from the Stone Mountain State Park headquarters to US-21 where the route begins to follow state bike route #4, North Line Trace
Section 20: North Trace Bike Route #4 through Surry County
Approximately 24 miles
As you leave the mountains you will see Pilot Mt. in the far distance. A great walk or bike through farm lands and the beautiful town of Dobson in Surry County.
Section 21: The Sauratown Trail from Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock State Park
Approximately 22 miles
The Sauratown Trail, a horse and hiking trail, starts on the east side of Pilot Mountain State Park and runs to Tory’s Den at Hanging Rock State Park. Follow the Tory’s Den, Moore’s Wall Loop, Lake and Indian Creek trails to the campground at Hanging Rock State Park. Camping is available by reservation at Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock state parks.
Section 22: Hanging Rock State Park to Walnut Cove
Approximately 16 miles
Follow Moore’s Wall Loop, Cook’s Wall and Indian Creek trails eastward out of the park, then follow back roads on to North Line Trace Bicycle Route #4 to the town of Walnut Cove. Camping by reservation in Hanging Rock State Park.
Section 23: Walnut Cove to Summerfield
Approximately 20 miles
This section of country road walking takes you past Belews Lake and through the small towns of Stokesdale and Summerfield. No camping available.
Section 24: Greensboro’s Watershed Lakes
Approximately 21 miles
This section follows the trails bordering Greensboro’s watershed lakes. Beautiful views of Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend
Section 25: Greensboro’s Bryan Park to Durham’s West Point on the Eno
Approximately 57 miles
This section follows back country roads through Guilford, Alamance, Orange and Durham counties through the small towns including Ossipee, Altamahaw, and Cedar Grove. No camping available.
Section 26: Durham’s West Point on the Eno to Shinleaf State Recreation Area at Falls Lake
Approximately 29 miles
Hikers on the MST follow back roads through this section now, but FMST volunteers have built miles of trail along Falls Lake west of Shinleaf, and we expect to shift the route officially onto these trails when we complete a bridge over Little Lick Creek soon. Bridge Site at Little Lick Creek – Soon this area will be a construction area and hikers will need to stay away from this area. We do not encourage you to swim across this gap in the Falls Lake Trail for safety reasons. You will need to use the road walk route to connect up to the other side until the bridge is done.
Section 27: Falls Lake from Shinleaf Recreation Area to the Dam
Approximately 22 miles
What’s better than a walk in the woods? A walk in the woods beside water. Section 27 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail between Shinleaf Recreation Area and Falls Lake Dam offers some of the most attractive waterfront hiking you’ll find anywhere along the trail.
The 22-mile section of trail loosely traces the crooked fingers and coves of Falls Lake on the south side of the reservoir. At times the well-marked footpath hugs the shoreline and at others, it’s tucked back in the woods, passing through wildlife clearings, parklands and hardwood forests. There are gentle ascents and descents, but not too much climbing.
Section 27 is anchored on either end by public access areas. Falls Lake Dam, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides trail access on the eastern end with a parking lot, public restrooms, water fountain and public telephone, off Falls of the Neuse Road. The trail picks up across from the restrooms near three large boulders. Follow the white blazes marking the trail.
Falls Lake is relatively narrow just above the dam so the trail has numerous water crossings. The crossings are on small foot bridges so you won’t even get your feet wet unless you just want to. This is a popular section of trail that draws many regular hikers. You understand why people keep coming back to walk the trail when you get a glimpse of the plentiful views of the lake along a number of miles of the trail.
Blue Jay Point County Park, a 236-acre recreation area on a peninsula of Falls Lake off Six Forks Road, is located near the middle of section 27. The Wake County park, which is open from 8 a.m. until sunset, offers another good public access point to the trail with parking. It’s on Pleasant Union Church Road off Six Forks Road. The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and environmental education exhibits. No overnight camping is allowed.
On the western end of Section 27 is Shinleaf campground, part of the Falls Lake State Recreation Area. Shinleaf has 89 wooded campsites with tent pads, picnic tables and grills tucked back well away from the parking lot. If you wish to unfurl a sleeping bag and camp overnight, it’s always a good idea to call the park office (919-676-1027) to confirm your dates. The park sometimes closes during winter months in inclement weather.
Section 28: Falls Lake Dam to Harris Crossroads on NC Bike Route #2
Approximately 19 miles
This section follows NC Bike Route #2 past historic homes and churches and hill ridge farms through northern Wake and Franklin counties including the town of Youngsville.
Raleigh, Wake County and Clayton are building a continuous 32 miles of greenway trail from the Falls Lake dam to the confluence of Sam’s Branch and the Neuse River near Clayton in Johnston County. In addition, the Town of Smithfield has just opened several miles of trail along Buffalo Creek and the Neuse River that will become part of the MST in the future
Section 29: Franklin and Nash Counties on NC Bike Route #2
Approximately 32 miles
This section follows bike route #2 on back roads through rural farmland in Franklin, Nash and Wilson counties.
Section 30: Wilson and Wayne Counties on NC Bike Route #7
Approximately 22 miles
This section follows NC Bike Route #7 through the farmland of Wilson and Wayne counties through the crossroad communities of Lamm and Black Creek.
Section 31: Eureka to LaGrange on NC Bike Route #7
Approximately 22 miles
This section follows NC Bike Route #7 through beautiful rural farmland from Wayne to Greene to Lenoir counties through the towns of Eureka and LaGrange
Section 32: LaGrange to Albrittons Crossroads on Bike Routes #7 and #40
Approximately 14 miles
This back road route through Lenoir County and the northwest corner of Jones County follows NC Bike Route #7 and Lenoir County Bike Route #40 past historic homes and churches, farmland and the Neuse River.
Kinston is interested in building a “Riverwalk” trail along the Neuse River downtown which will become part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Section 33: Albrittons Crossroads to Cove City on Sunset Boulevard
Approximately 24 miles
This section is back country roads past farms and crossroads communities. You may be able to arrange camping at A Day at the Farm near Cove City.
Section 34: Historic Craven County and New Bern
Approximately 21 miles
This section follows country roads through rural Craven County into the historic town of New Bern and then over the Neuse River bridge to Bridgeton.
The City of New Bern has adopted a new route for the trail which will shift the route so that it follows along a city lake and then through historic streets into downtown.
Section 35: Bridgeton to the Ferry Landing at Minnesott Beach
Approximately 23 miles
This section follows NC Bike Route #7 through Pamlico County and the small towns of Reelsboro, Arapahoe, and Minnesott. The section ends at the ferry landing at Minnesott Beach where you will take the ferry over the 2.3-mile wide Neuse River.
Section 36: The Neusiok Trail
Approximately 25 miles
Section 36 displays the beauty of coastal North Carolina and the diversity of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The section includes pine forests and cypress swamps, boot-grabbing bogs and sandy beach, salt marsh, and the distinctive raised swamps called pocosin. Hikers also may encounter black bear, alligator, bald eagles and several species of poisonous snakes.
Most of this section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail traces the older Neusiok Trail, a popular footpath that marked its 40th anniversary in 2011.
Nearly a mile and a half of the trail is located on elevated boardwalk and footbridges through swamp. Another mile is along the Neuse River.
The section picks up where the ferry from Minnesott Beach lands at Cherry Branch. Follow N.C. 306 (Ferry Road) south about 1.3 miles to Forest Road 132. Follow Forest Road 132 into the Pine Cliff Recreation Area to the trailhead of the Neusiok Trail. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, Pine Cliff Recreation Area has a picnic shelter, drinking water and pit toilets. Overnight camping is not allowed.
The Neusiok Trail (pronounced noose-ee-ock), was built by the Carteret County Wildlife Club with the help of the U.S. Forest Service. It stretches 22 miles through Croatan National Forest and includes three primitive shelters. Club volunteers still maintain and make improvements to the trail.
The trail continues generally north to south through the national forest and includes numerous road crossings where hikers can access segments of the trail. Major road crossing include:
• NC 306 approximately 6.8 miles from Pine Cliff Recreation Area. A nearby Forest Service parking lot accommodates 10 to 15 cars;
• Hwy 101, approximately 9.7 miles from Pine Cliff Recreation Area. Parking along road;
• Mill Creek Road approximately 20. 3 miles from Pine Cliff Recreation Area. Parking along road.
Camping is allowed anywhere along the Neusiok Trail except in the designated Pine Cliff Recreation Area. Three primitive, three-sided shelters with raised wood floors are located along the trail. They accommodate 4 to 5 hikers.
• Copperhead Landing shelter is located 3.75 miles from Pine Cliff Recreation Area.
• Dogwood Camp Shelter is located about .75 miles south of Highway 101. It is 10.5 miles from Pine Cliff Recreation Area.
• Blackjack Lodge is located approximately .75 miles north of Mill Creek Road. It is approximately 19.6 miles from Pine Cliff Recreation Area.
Oyster Point Campground is the terminus of the trail section and the southern trailhead of the Neusiok Trail. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, Oyster Point Campground has 16 campsites, toilets, and picnic tables. Parking is available. Oyster Point Campground is 22.08 miles from Pine Cliff Recreation Area.
Section 37: Mill Creek to Cedar Island and the Ocracoke Ferry
Approximately 47 miles
This very scenic section follows NC Bike Route #7 through Pamlico, Craven and Carteret counties past spectacular coastal swamps, rivers, canals and roads only a few feet above sea level. Communities are North River, Otway, Smyrna, Willston, Davis, Stacy, and Cedar Island.
Section 38: The Outer Banks from Ocracoke to Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Approximately 82 miles not including the 31 mile ferry ride
Take the Cedar Island Ferry to Ocracoke and hike up the Outer Banks past Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the small towns of Hatteras, Frisco, Buxton, Avon, Salvo, Waves, Rodanthe, Whalebone, and Nags Head to Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
Camping is not allowed on the beach, but there are many private campgrounds, motels and other businesses for lodging and resupply.
Some areas of the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore are closed to protect nest sites for shore birds and turtles. Check their website to determine the best hiking route.