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)