MST Sections

Section number
and mileage

Section Description

Section 1
(27.2 miles)

Clingmans Dome on the Appalachian Trail (north) in GSMNP 3.5 miles to junction right with spur trail for connection to Fork Ridge Trail to Ocanaluftee River and western terminus of BRP mp 469.1 (Swain County) (Complete) (Designated by DPR)

This is an excellent weekend hiking trip! The MST signs are very easy to follow in the Smokies. The GSMNP has the MST highlighted in purple on their trail map.

Section 2
(14.4 miles)

Oconaluftee River at BRP mp 469.1 to Soco Gap at BRP mp 455.7 (Swain and Jackson Counties). Incomplete, but BRP open to hikers and bikers. (Undesignated by DPR)

Scenic overlooks as you hike or bike along this section. Plans are to construct the MST in this area along the BRP.

Section 3
(12.0 miles)

Soco Gap, BRP mp 455.7 (US-19) to Balsam Gap (South) BRP mp 443.1 (US-23/74) (incomplete, but now under construction by the Carolina Mountain Club - CMC). BRP open to hikers and bikers. (Jackson County) (Undesignated by DPR)

First junction with Mountains to Sea Trail Bike Route #2 here. It follows BRP to mp 313.2 where it turns east on NC-181. It makes a junction again at NC-98 on Falls Lake Trail north of Raleigh.

Scenic overlooks as you hike or bike along this section. Plans are to consturct the MST in this area along the BRP. The Carolina Mountain Club has started construction on this section of the MST - from Woodfin Cascades overlook to US-23/74 is open and blazed - about 3 miles.

Click for more detail - including topo maps and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Section 4
(24.2 miles)

Balsam Gap (South), BRP mp 443.1 (US-23/74) to Bear Pen Gap (Wet Pen Gap, USFS) BRP mp 427.6 (Jackson County) (Complete) (Designated by DPR)

The MST ascends into the Nantahala National Forest and at times follows old forest roads. Repair work on the trail tread has taken place by the Carolina Mountain Club. New blazes and signs have been installed along this section.

Click for more detail - including topo maps and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Section 5
(8.5 miles)

Bear Pen Gap (Wet Camp Gap) BRP mp 427.6 to Beech Gap (NC-215) BRP mp 423.2 (Jackson and Haywood Counties) (Complete) (Designated by DPR)

A very scenic section of the MST and remains at an elevation of 1 mile above sea level for the entire 8.5 miles. This section is an excellent day hike! Since this area is a wilderness area, no white blazes or signs are allowed in this area.

Click for more detail - including topo maps and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Section 6
(21.4 miles)

Beech Gap (NC-215) BRP mp 423.2 to Pisgah Inn at BRP mp 408.6 (Haywood and Transylvania Counties) (Complete) (Designated by DPR)

After junctioning with the Art Lobe trail, the MST enters Graveyard Fields and Looking Glass Falls.

As always the Pisgah Inn puts its stamp on the Pisgah National Forest.

Click for more detail - including topo maps and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Section 7
(32.0 miles)

Pisgah Inn, BRP mp 408.6 to Folk Art Center BRP mp 382 (Transylvania, Henderson, and Bucombe Countines) (Complete) (Designated by BRP)

The MST follows the Shut-In trail down into the North Carolina Arboretum. After crossing the French Broad river the MST parallels the BRP through Asheville and to the Folk Art Center.

Click for more detail - including topo maps and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Section 8
(22.0 miles)

Folk Art Center BRP mp 382 to Balsam Gap (North) at BRP mp 359.8 (Buncombe County) (Complete) (Designated by DPR)

The MST ascends up to Rattlesnake Lodge and then into Craggy Gardens before reaching Balsam Gap. This section could be called the "roller coaster", for it's elevation change

Click for more detail - including topo maps and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Section 9
(23.0 miles)

Balsam Gap (North) at BRP mp 359.8 to Buck Creek Gap (NC-80) (Yancey County) (Complete) (Ready for Designation by DPR)

This section includes Mt. Mitchell State Park for a great view of the Black Mountains.

Section 10
(13.0 miles)

Buck Creek Gap (NC-80) at BRP mp 344.1 to Woodlawn Park (US-221) (Yancey and McDowell County) (Complete) (Desginated by DPR)

The MST continues to parallel the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers scenic views; an excellent day hike adventure.

Section 11
(30.1 miles)

From Woodlawn Park (US-221) north of Marion to Ripshin Ridge (NC-181) This scenic and challenging section has a climb to Bald Knob and to Dobson Knob Road. White MST Blazes are up along this section and are easty to follow. The North Fork of the Catawba river bridge is done and open to hikers. After Kistler Memorial Highway 19.8 miles have been designated by DPR to Ripshin Ridge (NC-181) parking area at Greentown Trail. Along the route the Linville River must be forded by wadding. Scenic Shortoff Mountain and Table Rock follows.

One of the most scenic areas along the MST is the Linville Gorge area. The views from Shortoff Mountain and Table Rock make this seciton a jewel of the MST.

Section 12
(24.2 miles)

Ripshin Ridge (NC-181) to Beacon Heights BRP 305.3 (Burke and Avery Counties) (Complete) (Designated by DPR) The MST passes the highest waterfalls of its entire route.

Section 13
(24.6 miles)

Beacon Heights BRP mp 305.3 (near Grandfather Mountain) to Blowing Rock (US-321) BRP mp 291.9 (Avery, Caldwell and Wataugh Counties) (Completed) (Designated by DPR) Among trails followed is exceptionally scenic Tanawha Trail.

Going under the Lynn Cove bridge and sights of Grandfather Mountain make this area a great hike in the fall. MST white blazes have been added to this section.

Section 14
(15.5 miles)

Blowing Rock (US-321) near BRP mp 291.9 to Deep Gap (US-421) BRP mp 276.4 (Watauga County) (Incomplete, must hike BRP shoulder) (Undesignated by DPR)

Section 15
(15.2 miles)

Deep Gap (US-421) BRP mp 276.4 to Horse Gap (NC-16) (Watauga, Wilkes, and Ashe Counties) (Currently flagging is being approved by the BRP) (Undesignated by DPR)

The FMST will continue construction of this section in the Spring of 2007.

Section 16
(25.5 miles)

Horse Gap (NC-16) BRP mp 261.2 to Laurel Springs (NC-18) (Ashe, Alleghany, and Wilkes Counties)

This is the newest section of the MST to be open - go enjoy and thank a FMST volunteer for making this happen.

Section 17
(13.9 miles)

Laurel Springs (NC-18) to Devils Garden Overlook BRP mp 235.7. Passes through Doughton Park with campground for 7 mi of MST route. (Designated by DPR - May 2005.)

Section 18
(8.2 miles)

Devils Garden Overlook to Stone Mountain State Park headquarters.

Some of the MST follows old Forest Service Roads. For a routing update please call Stone Mt. State Park and speak with Ed Farr at (336) 957-8185.

Section 19
(19.7 miles)

Stone Mountain State Park to I-77 - From the Stone Mountain State Park headquarters parking area to US-21 and junction with state bike route #4, North Line Trace. This backcountry route is followed to Danbury. (Alleghany and Wilkes Counties) Must hike road shoulders. (Undesignated by DPR)

Section 21
(19.5 miles)

US-52 to Hanging Rock State Park - From Surry County boundary through Stokes County. (This section includes 7 miles of trails in Hanging Rock State Park.) The Sauratown Trail that connects Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock has been designated by DRP. The Sauratown Trail is a horse and hiking trail.

The Sauratown Trail offers 22 miles of hiking or horse back riding on the MST to Tory's Den at Hanging Rock State Park.

Click for more detail - including topo maps and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Section 23
(19.5 miles)

This section is back country roads for walking or biking.

Click for more detail - including trail route and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Section 24
(20.5 miles)

Summerfield Road at US-220 to Entrance to Bryan Park, North Greensboro. (This section includes 22.0 miles of foot trails on six trails bordering three lakes. Owl's Roost Trail has been designated for MST by DPR.)

The trails through Guilford county offer scenic view of Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend.

Click for more detail - including topo maps and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Section 25
(57.0 miles)

Bryan Park (off US-29) to West Point on the Eno County Park on US-501 - North of Durham.

From Guilford County boundary through Alamance County. (This section follows backcountry roads on part of Alamance County bike route #74.) Major roads crossed are NC-86, 62, and 49; towns are Ossipee, Altamahaw. (Undesignated by DPR)

Alamance County bike route #74 and #73 offers veiws of current and old farmlands. From Alamance County boundary through Orange County. (This section follows back roads and is closest to Eno River State Park as it crosses Durham County line.) It crosses two state roads, NC-86 and NC-57; Cedar Grove community. (Undesignated by DPR)

This section is back country roads for walking or biking.

Planning efforts are underway as of Winter 2006 to create a masterplan on how to get from Guilford County to Orange County. See also FMST projects.

Click for more detail - including topo maps and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Section 26
(29.8 miles)

West Point on the Eno County Park on US-501 - North of Durham to Shinleaf State Recreation Area (campground) at Falls Lake.

From Durham County boundary through Granville County. (This section follows back roads except for Eno River State Park and West Point on the Eno County Park.) It crosses I-85 and US-15. (Undesignated by DPR)

This section is back country roads for walking or biking.

The 26 miles around Falls Lake offers scenic views of Falls Lake much like the MST through Greensboro.

As of January 2007 the MST is under construction around Falls Lake westward from NC-50 to Penny's Bend - 30 more miles of the MST.

Shinleaf Recreation (campground) area at Falls Lake to Falls Lake Dam at Falls of Neuse Road.

Continue around Falls Lake - natural surface - hiking only. The 26 miles around Falls Lake offers scenic views of Falls Lake much like the MST through Greensboro.

Click for more detail - including topo maps and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Falls Lake Dam to Harris Crossroads on US-401 Follow NC Bike Route #2.

From Wake County boundary through Franklin County. (This section follows backcountry roads.) Highway crossings are US-1 and 401, NC-98 and 39. Town is Youngsville. (Undesignated by DPR)

This section is back country roads for walking or biking.

See also MST East Planning documents.

Harris Crossroads on US-401 to Lamm at US-264.

From Franklin County boundary through Nash County. (This section, as in Franklin County, follows bike route #2 on back roads.) State roads crossed are NC-231, 97, 581, and US-64 for national road. (Undesignated by DPR)

This section is back country roads for walking or biking.

See also MST East Planning documents.

US-264 to NC-222 at Eureka

Through Wilson County. (This section turns south in the state's MST corridor on back roads after leaving state bike route #2 to follow bike route#7, the Ocracoke Option.) Highways crossed are I-95, Us-301 and 117, NC-42. Communities/towns are Lamn and Black Creek. (Undesignated by DPR)

This section is back country roads for walking or biking.

See also MST East Planning documents.

NC-222 in Eureka to Town of LaGrange on NC-903

From Wayne County boundary through Greene County. (This section follows south in parallel of the county line.) It crosses US-13 and briefly follows NC-903. (Undesignated by DPR) From Green County boundary through Lenoir County. (This section at first goes south but then take a more eastern direction. It follows back roads through scenic farm country.) It crosses US-70 south of the town of LaGrange. (Undesignated by DPR)

This section is back country roads for walking or biking.

See also MST East Planning documents.

Town of LaGrange on NC-93 to Juncture of NC-11 at Albrittons Crossroads

From Lenoir County boundary through Jones County. This back road area crosses the NW corner of Jones County.

This section is back country roads for walking or biking. (Undesignated by DPR)

See also MST East Planning documents.

Juncture of NC-11 at Albrittons Crossroads to Cove City on Sunset Blvd.

This section is back country roads for walking or biking.

See also MST East Planning documents.

Click for more detail - including trail route and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Cove City on Sunset Blvd. to Juncture of US-17/NC-55 at Bridgeton

This section is back country roads for walking or biking.

See also MST East Planning documents.

Click for more detail - including trail route and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Juncture of US-17/NC-55 at Bridgeton to Minnesott Beach

From Craven County boundaries through Pamlico County. (This section adjoins Craven County in a way for the hiker/biker to leave Craven County and re-enter at the ferry crossing on Neuse River.) It follows part of NC-55 and NC-306 with three communities: Reelsboro, Arapahoe, and Minnesott. This section is back country roads for walking or biking. (Undesignated by DPR.)

See also MST East Planning documents

Click for more detail - including trail route and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Minnesott Beach to Mill Creek in the Croatan National Forest

The Neusiok Trail through the Croatan National Forest is a natural surface trail while the rest of this section is back country roads for walking or biking.

See also MST East Planning documents.

Click for more detail - including topo maps and links to trailheads in Google Maps

Mill Creek to Cedar Island and the Ocrakoke Ferry

From Pamlico and Craven counties through Carteret County. (This long county is a spectacular display of coastal plains - bays, swamps, rivers, canals with roads only a few feet above sea level.) Road crossings is NC-101, and the following of US-70. Communities are North River, Oxway, Smyrna, Willston, Davis, Stacy, and Cedar Island.

This very scenic section is back country roads for walking or biking.

See also MST East Planning documents.

Cedar Island Ferry to Cape Hatteras National Seashore, to Jockeys Ridge State Park

From Carteret County boundary through Hyde County. (This section includes the beach hike on Ocracoke Island.) Only NC-12 is briefly followed. Town is Ocracoke. (Designated MST by DPR.)

The MST/Cape Hatteras Beach Trail follows the beach up Ocracoke Island to the Hatters Ferry.

From Hyde County boundary to trail's end in Dare County. (This long beach section is called Cape Hatteras Beach Trail - as is the section on Ocracoke Island. It is on the beach, around lakes, or in the woods for all except brief usage of NC-12.) Towns are Hatteras, Frisco, Buxton, Avon, Salvo, Waves, Rodanthe, Whalebone, and Nags Head. (Designated MST by DPR)

The MST/Cape Hatteras Beach Trail follows the beach up Jockey's Ridge State Park with some sections in the woods from Frisco campground to the Cape Hatteras Lighhouse.