The Not-So Simple Joy of Trailblazing

The North Carolina Mountains-To-Sea Trail

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

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Filed under Biking, Hiking, NC Trails, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina |