Moving toward the east, there are more great reasons to consider North Carolina’s abundant offerings for family fun when planning getaways and vacations.

11. Mountains to Sea Trail

From the very top of Clingman’s Dome near the Tennessee border to the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the strand of the Outer Banks, North Carolina’s 925-mile long Mountains-to-Sea Trail offers an adventurous way to explore the state’s natural treasures and human wonders. This is an adventure a visitor can embrace in small chunks or in an extended all at once while experiencing the best of NC’s towns and cities, rural agritourism initiatives and natural preserves.

12. Waldensian Valdese

The rich history of the Waldensian sect is preserved in beautiful Valdese, NC in the foothills between Morganton and Hickory. With a world famous winery, a summer festival and outdoor drama, the finest Bocce Ball clay court anywhere and one of the best regional musical venues anywhere, Valdese is a fun and educational stop along the way for anyone wanting to experience some of the best of North Carolina’s homespun heritage.

13. NC’s Arts and Agriculture Trails

In a unique alliance between the North Carolina Arts Council and the NC Cooperative Extension Service, a total of 16 different, well-planned “Arts and Agriculture Trails” have been mapped out for a project called Homegrown Handmade. These trails meander through foothills, across the piedmont and around the coastal regions, allowing visitors to visit wineries, organic farms and dairies, art studios and sidewalk cafes in charming little towns.

14. Cosmopolitan Charlotte and the Sporting Life

From bustling Lake Norman and its posh golf courses and sailboat regattas through the home of NASCAR in “Race City USA” Mooresville, tothe Bank of America Stadium uptown to see NC’s Panthers play professional football, the Charlotte area boasts some of the finest sports tourism opportunities available anywhere. And while you’re there, do check out the busy Charlotte nightlife at famous regional brewhouses and musical venues offering a variety of musicians and styles.

15. Pinehurst – Home of American Golf

Farther to the east between Charlotte and Fayetteville in the rolling Sandhill region, Pinehurst offers golfers the largest collection of Donald Ross golf courses anywhere, and enjoys the distinction of being the “Home of American Golf.” In addition to 10 of the top 20 NC golf courses, the area’s resorts also offer world class tennis courts, spa facilities, exquisite dining and luxurious accommodations. While golf is a regular way of life here, there are also arts, history, botanical gardens, festivals and unique shopping on the smorgasbord of offerings.

Posts to This Series:
Part 1: Reasons 1 – 5
Part 2: Reasons 6 – 10
Part 3: Reasons 11 – 15
Part 4: Reasons 16 – 25

Having previously covered The Simple Joy of Hiking on one of Western North Carolina’s historic pioneer trails from the base of the continental divide to the top of Mount Mitchell, it’s only fitting to introduce the building of a new trail, this one traversing the entire width of the state from mountains to sea.

From the top of Clingman’s Dome near the Tennessee border in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park to the high dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Atlantic coast, North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail [MST] will be another gold doubloon in North Carolina’s full to bursting chest of treasures.

The 925-mile route is being blazed by the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail [FMST], a non-profit organization that plans, organizes and oversees groups of volunteers who participate in task force construction and maintenance. At this point the ambitious project’s route links existing trails and footpaths, rural and fire service roads, and DoT bicycle routes. The trail meanders through three national parks, several state parks and three national forests across 37 counties. There are campgrounds, farms, small towns and cities along the way, the trail will offer hikers, bikers, canoers (and along many sections, horseback riders) a leisurely and healthy way to explore the full range of North Carolina’s natural beauty, friendly people and welcoming communities.

The Friends of the trail suggest that hiking the entire length without hurrying will take two or three months, though most users will prefer to take day-hikes or short weekend trips along sections. The first person to walk the entire length of the route is Allen de Hart, who accomplished the feat in 1997 and wrote a book about it, Hiking North Carolina’s Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Katie Nelson, a 79-year old great-grandmother, became the oldest person to hike the entire trail in 2003.

Many sections of the trail are still in planning and construction stages, and so far there are no camping shelters, hostels, shuttle services, stores or restaurants on the trail proper, though many such amenities are a short walk off the route in towns and villages along the way. FMST hosts task force work days for volunteers most times of year as well as group hikes along completed sections.

Those interested in volunteering themselves or their whole families for a fresh air exercise outing and some satisfying work can contact task force coordinators or their partners in the regions of interest to make arrangements. Wear your good hiking boots, don’t forget the first aid kit and plenty of water, pack a picnic lunch. FMST provides the tools, the plans and the leadership, volunteers provide the enthusiasm and the muscle.

Links:

About the MST

Across North Carolina on foot [mtnX]

Land for Tomorrow

American Hiking Society