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About

Blue Ridge

Just a few weekends ago, Mother Nature displayed her finest work on the MST along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The leaves were a brilliant gold, orange and yellow, and for bonus beauty, a rainbow sliced through the landscape. Now, as you walk the MST in the rest of the state you are treated to the same display as fall creeps downhill to our lower altitudes. With three distinct geographical regions of natural beauty, all are to be celebrated and enjoyed at different seasons and for different reasons. Get out, reflect on what you love and are thankful for on the MST. As you walk the changing trail this fall, take a moment to thank the volunteers that make the trail safe and enjoyable for all to walk. For us, we are most thankful for you. The MST Community is broad - from hikers, to land owners, from trail angels to trail volunteers. It takes every one of you to make the trail work. Without you, without the hours you give, the dedication you have, the passion you share, the trail would be a just a path in the woods. With you, it's a vibrant community of engaged, unique, committed people all working together towards a common purpose - an enduring footpath that connects North Carolina. Thank you. #mountainstoseatrail

The remnants of Hurricane Isaias brought heavy rain and severe weather to North Carolina this weekend, with some locations along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail receiving more than 8 inches of rain! Preliminary rainfall reports from along or near the MST: - Jonas Ridge (Segment 4): 8.82" - Linville (Segments 4–5): 7.70" - Mount Mitchell (Segment 3): 7.33" - Deep Gap (Segment 5): 6.72" - Blowing Rock (Segment 5): 6.28" - Elkin (Segment 6): 3.28" - Pilot Mountain (Segments 6–7): 2.98" Asheville Regional Airport also recorded 3.81 inches on Saturday, breaking its daily rainfall record. The storm brought flooding, landslides, and strong winds to western NC, while tornadoes were reported in central portions of the state. Even though the rain has stopped, the danger hasn't necessarily passed. The USGS recorded a flow of 4,330 cubic feet per second on the Linville River near Nebo early Sunday, compared to a historical daily median of 63 cubic feet per second for October 11. That's nearly 69 times the typical flow for that date! A reminder of the dangers at stream crossings, including the MST's unbridged Linville River ford in Segment 4. Streams and rivers may continue rising after rainfall ends, while saturated ground, downed trees, and washed out trail sections may create additional hazards. If you're planning to hike the MST this week, please give waterways time to recede and trail conditions time to stabilize. Never attempt to cross swollen streams or flooded trails, and check for closures before heading out. Our trail maintainers and volunteers will be assessing conditions as it becomes safe to do so. Encounter a trail issue? Report it here: https://mountainstoseatrail.org/the-trail/trail-issues/ Stay safe! The trail will still be there when the waters recede. *Rainfall figures are preliminary and reporting periods vary. The Linville River gauge is downstream of the MST crossing.* #mountainstoseatrail Image: The confluence of Goshen Branch and Days Creek in Segment 5 is running high and fast after almost 7" of rain this weekend.

Today marks the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene and we want to reflect on the astounding work done to bring the trail back to life. Volunteer crews joined the staffs of the National Park Service, US Forest Service and many others to reopen nearly all of the MST within these two years. Only a short stretch between Mt. Mitchell State Park and Highway 80 remains closed to trail traffic. If all goes to plan, the NPS will be reopening the Blue Ridge Parkway in December of this year (a year ahead of schedule in some parts!!) and our crews will be allowed in to restore the route. The bridge over the N. Fork of the Catawba River on US Forest Service land that washed out is also scheduled to be replaced in 2027. While the trail is nearly back to it's previous state, many lives and businesses in Western North Carolina are still struggling. Continue to visit the MST across the region, spending an extra night or two to visit these communities and contribute to the recovery. The trail is a place for recreation and adventure, but also a place for reflection and rejuvenation. Thank you to all who helped bring it back to life for those who needed it most. #mountainstoseatrail

We woke up this morning and all of a sudden it was Fall! (Technically, the Autumn Equinox isn’t until 8 PM tonight, but we’re not waiting any longer.) Arguably the best season for hiking and somehow the shortest one, too. Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and crisp fall days make it hard to beat. The leaves will begin to change at higher elevations, and soon the mountains will look like this photo, captured at Rough Ridge in Segment 5 a few years ago. Who else is excited for the next hiking season? Any grand hiking plans for the next few months? Let us know in the comments! And one quick Birthday Month reminder: September ends in just over a week, so if you’re working toward one of our Birthday Challenge goals, the clock is ticking! You have eight days left to get your miles in, volunteer hours logged, or trail litter collected. Once you’ve completed your challenge, don’t forget to submit the Completion Form to be entered into our prize drawing! #mountainstoseatrail

"I think the time has come for us to consider the feasibility of establishing a state trail between the mountains and the seashore in North Carolina. North Carolina is a state with tremendous variety in geography, scenery, and people. I want our State Trails Committee to look at recommending a trail that would give North Carolinians and national visitors using it a real feel for the sights, sounds and people of this state." -Howard Lee (September 9, 1977) Happy 49th Birthday to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail! Forty nine years ago today, Howard Lee proposed the idea of a trail that spanned North Carolina. Little did he know what would come of those words as he said them during the National Trails Symposium in Lake Junaluska. Thanks to thousands of volunteers, dedicated partners and the passionate commitment of so many people, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail now stretches nearly 1,200 miles across the state from Kuwohi to Jockey’s Ridge and continues to evolve and improve every year. It truly is the people that make the MST possible and your support for Friends of the MST will help us grow our progress in the years to come as we continue Howard Lee’s vision for a trail that connects the people of North Carolina in addition to our state’s natural beauty. Visit our website today to make a special Birthday Donation to support our work and find more info about other ways to give back to the trail. #mountainstoseatrail #mstbirthday (Image taken just up the road from Lake Junaluska near Waterrock Knob in Segment 1)

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