Help Hike 1,175 Miles in One Day on The Mountains-to-Sea Trail

On September 9, 2017 The Friends of The Mountains-to-Sea Trail need YOU to collaborate with hundreds of others across North Carolina to hike and paddle the entire 1,175 miles of the MST in one day.  Registration is now open for all legs - follow the instructions on mstinaday.org to sign up.

 

MST in a Day commemorates a speech on September 9, 1977 by Howard Lee, then the NC Secretary of Natural Resources and Community Development. He told a National Trails Symposium in Waynesville that North Carolina should create a "state trail from the mountains to the coast, leading through communities as well as natural areas."

That speech was the catalyst for the trail that now stretches through 36 counties from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, and we're celebrating its 40th anniversary all across the state in 2017.

MST in a Day commemorates a speech on September 9, 1977 by Howard Lee, then the NC Secretary of Natural Resources and Community Development. He told a National Trails Symposium in Waynesville that North Carolina should create a "state trail from the mountains to the coast, leading through communities as well as natural areas."

The Friends are asking people to sign up to complete a "leg" of the trail any time on September 9. Most legs are three to five miles, although some are longer in remote parts of the trail. You can hike your leg alone or with friends or family. While you're at it, send several photos of your hike or paddle so we can compile photos taken by everyone who participates into a video of the trail.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail  connects Clingman's Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey's Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks with almost 1200 miles of footpaths and temporary connectors. Currently nearly 700 miles of footpaths are complete with work crews, mostly volunteers, continuing construction. The connectors make it possible to hike the entire nearly 1200 miles.

The route passes through 37 counties containing about 40 percent of the state's population. The trail is used by people out for an afternoon stroll as well as those planning to hike the trail from one end of the state to the other. 

Beech Mountain Fall Hiking and Trails

photo by Amy Morrison

Beech Mountain may be best known for its ski slopes and the nickname "Ski Beech", but there is even more to this charming mountain town than winter sports and breath-taking views.

The town of Beech Mountain maintains more than 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails at elevations of  5,000+ feet in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. These trails range from easy to strenuous, providing opportunities for all ages and abilities to enjoy fall foliage up-close.
Beech Mountain provides a detailed hiking map for 22 miles of trails winding in and out of the town limits. A  separate map is available for eight-plus miles of new trails near the mountain's summit. Those trails are part of the Emerald Outback adventure trail park, which attracts a broad mix of hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners.

"All trails are town maintained and we've really focused on the trails and reworking a lot of spots that needed attention," said Fred Pfohl of the Beech Mountain recreation advisory committee. "There's a lot of breathtaking scenery all around as you hike. We have trails that are solely in the woods and others which follow ridges and afford great views."

The Beech Mountain local tourism office has put together hiking and biking packages this fall to make it easier to enjoy what's expected to be a vibrant autumn for color. There is a $159 package which provides two nights lodging for two people.  Packages also include hiking trail maps, biking maps, fitness center passes, mini-golf for two, and a wine tasting for two at Banner Elk Winery.  More information about packages is available by visiting the website or calling (800) 468-5506

"Our fall color season usually starts the last week of September and runs through about the third or fourth week of October," said Pfohl. "Deer and wild turkeys are plentiful, and bird watching is good, too. It's just a pretty time of year to be out of doors in the mountains."

All of the town's hiking and biking maps are available at the Beech Mountain Visitors Center located at 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway.

Find additional information about Beech mountain lodging and attractions on the Beech Mountain NC Visitor Guide.