North Carolina

Mountains-to-Sea Trail - Blue Ridge Parkway Segment

photo: Overlook near Lane Pinnacle, a peak east of Asheville, NC during peak fall foliage. Photo by Matt Mutel.

Length: 192.50 miles
Loop Trail? No
Type: Backcountry
Agency: State
Entry Fee? No
Parking Fee? No

Allowed Uses:

Camping
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running

See more details.

 

Location: Across the state of North Carolina from TN state line to the Atlantic
State(s): North Carolina
Counties: 37 counties
Longitude: -82.51757253
Latitude: 35.52540636

Driving Directions

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Description

North Carolina's Mountains To Sea Trail (MST) stretches from Clingman's Dome in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park to Jockey's Ridge State Park by the Atlantic Ocean. The mainline distance is 908 miles and if an alternate section is followed it is 925 miles. With Ferry Rides, spur trails to scenic overlooks, and side trails to campsites, the adventurous journey is nearly 1000 miles. Its western terminus at Clingman's Dome is 6643 feet in elevation. Its eastern terminus, after reaching sea level, is in Jockey's Ridge State Park's on the highest sand dune (140 feet elevation) of the nation's East Coast.

Additional Details

Width: 24 inches.
Primary Surface: Soil
Secondary Surface: Soil

Average Grade: 4%
Maximum Grade: 7%
Elevation Low Point: 2,000
Elevation High Point: 6,053
Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available

Year Designated: 2005

Supporting Webpages and Documents

Website: Interactive Map

Contact Information

For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.

Trail Management:
 Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail
3585 US Hwy 401 South
Louisburg, NC 27549
(919) 496-4771
[email protected]
http://www.ncmst.org

Information Contact:
 NC Division of Parks and Recreation
12700 Bayleaf Church Rd
Raleigh, NC 27614
(919) 846-9991
[email protected]
https://www.ncparks.gov/

 

Photos

Taken near the summit of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Photo by Matt Mutel.

Taken near the summit of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Photo by Matt Mutel.

Overlook near Lane Pinnacle, a peak east of Asheville, NC during peak fall foliage. Photo by Matt Mutel.

Overlook near Lane Pinnacle, a peak east of Asheville, NC during peak fall foliage. Photo by Matt Mutel.

 

A strenuous 3,700', 6 mile climb from the valley floor to the Mt. Mitchell summit. Photo by Matt Mutel.

A strenuous 3,700', 6 mile climb from the valley floor to the Mt. Mitchell summit. Photo by Matt Mutel.

Balsam Nature Trail in Mount Mitchell State Park. Photo by Matt Mutel.

Balsam Nature Trail in Mount Mitchell State Park. Photo by Matt Mutel.

 

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Submit an Edit

Trail Managers: please use the official NRT update form to update your trail for any of the following changes:

  • Change in trail mileage through trail extension
  • Change in trail mileage through trail retraction
  • Change in trail mileage through significant trail reroute
  • Change to trail name
  • Change in trail description or use
  • Undesignation of trail (removal of NRT designation status)
  • Other significant updates

>> Download the official NRT update form.

All other edits can be submitted via the below form: