Frequently Asked Questions

Who is building the trail?

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail represents a creative partnership involving local communities and trail groups, land trusts, federal and state land agencies, private landowners, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, and Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

The trail is an official part of the state parks system, but segments of it are managed by different agencies and local governments. Local communities help connect the trail through links to greenways and urban trails. Land trusts help acquire land. Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail provides volunteers, support and serves as a clearinghouse for information.

How many miles of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail are finished?

The trail is open for hiking across the state. About 500 miles of dedicated trail — roughly half the planned length— has been completed to date. A series of connectors on bicycle routes and back roads knit together finished sections to span the state.

Do I need a permit to walk the Mountains-to-Sea Trail?

A backcountry permit is required for camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Backcountry permits are free and available at offices in the park. Permits are not required for hikers elsewhere on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

How is the trail marked?

The blaze designating the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a white dot, about three inches in diameter.

How long does it take to thru-hike the trail?

Hiking time varies depending on the speed and fitness of the hiker. A fair estimate for planning a hike is to allow two to three months to walk the trail. The sections currently located on state highway bicycle routes can be covered more quickly on bicycles.

People who plan to hike the entire trail are encouraged to contact Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, so we can provide information and help as needed and recognize your accomplishment when you finish.

What’s the best time of year to hike the trail?

Spring and fall months in North Carolina offer the best combination of cooler weather, scenic beauty and fewer biting insects.

How can I find the trail?

This Friends’ website has general descriptions of trail sections with mileage and information about available guidebooks.

Is shuttle service available for hikers?

Local outfitters and camping supply stores are often knowledgeable about shuttle services in their geographic areas.

What will I see along the route?

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is as diverse as the state it showcases. Depending on the section of the trail, you may see mountain vistas, rolling Piedmont farms, picture postcard colonial towns, weathered tobacco barns, old textile villages, country churches, rushing mountain streams, coastal swamps, hardwood and pine forests, lighthouses, sand dunes and miles of seashore. There is so much to see  —  a little bit of most everything that makes North Carolina special including friendly people.

How many people have completed the trail?

The trail has been completed 29 times by 26 people. New hikers attempt it every year.

How was the route chosen?

Trail planners began by making use of existing trails on public lands and connected them to key natural features across North Carolina. By doing this, they developed a generalized trail corridor. After the Mountains-to-Sea Trail was adopted as part of the state parks system, parks planners worked with local communities and FMST to develop specific plans for particular areas.

When will the Mountains-to-Sea Trail be completed?

Just as the highway to the future is always under construction, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail remains a work in progress. With the help of more volunteers, the pace of progress has picked up in recent years. More than 24 miles were completed in 2009. Land along some sections of the trail corridor remains privately owned, and acquisition or easements will be needed to extend the trail. The eventual goal is a dedicated 1,000-mile footpath. But much like long-distance hikers, trail volunteers enjoy the progress on the journey toward the ultimate goal.

How can I get involved?

Good question! You can help in a variety of ways: 

• You can volunteer to build trail and help in a variety of other ways.
• You can become a member by giving a tax-deductible donation to Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The non-profit Friends group promotes the trail, coordinates trail building activities and serves as a clearinghouse for information.
• You can sign up for our e-mail newsletter so we can keep you informed of progress and opportunities to get involved.