2026 Gathering of Friends

April 10-12, 2026

Asheville, North Carolina

Gathering of Friends 2024

Save the date for Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s annual Gathering of Friends in Asheville April 10-12, 2026

Registration for the 2026 Gathering of Friends will open later this year.

In the meantime, please save the date and we look forward to coming together with the MST community!

When?

April 10-12, 2026

Where?

Our event venues are in Asheville and we have room blocks in two nearby hotels for attendees. Discounted event rates are available Thursday, April 9 – Sunday, April 12, 2026. Please contact one of the hotels or campgrounds listed below directly to reserve your lodging.

Crowne Plaza Resort

(1 Resort Drive, Asheville)
Three ways to reserve your room:
1) Call 844-330-0296 (24/7) to the central reservations call center and mention the group name Gathering of Friends 2026 or the group code GOF to receive the special group rate.
2) Call the local number at 828-285-2603 during normal business hours Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 4:30pm and ask for in-house reservations mentioning the Gathering of Friends 2026.
3) Use the booking link Gathering of Friends 2026, which will automatically add the contracted block dates and the group code.

Brookstone Lodge

(4 Roberts Road, Asheville)
To reserve your room, call (828) 398-5888 and ask to book your room with the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail group.

Asheville Bear Creek RV Park

(81 S. Bear Creek Road, Asheville)
To make a reservation, call 828-253-0798 or make a reservation request on their website.
No tent camping allowed.

Who?

You! All are welcome to attend the annual Gathering of Friends. If you are a current member of the Friends of the MST, we’re excited to have you back. If you aren’t a current member, you are welcome to join today or when you register for this event. Become a member today or join the Friends of the MST when you register by simply selecting non-member pricing which includes a $35 donation to become a member.

Registration?

Registration details and program information for the 2026 Gathering of Friends will come later in 2025


The 2026 weekend in Asheville will include:

  • Early bird meet-up on Thursday evening
  • Friday Welcome Reception at Highland Brewing
  • Saturday’s Friends of the MST annual meeting at A-B Tech
  • Recognition of MST volunteers and completers
  • Guided tours, excursions and hikes
  • Opportunities to learn from and connect with local partners and learn about community recovery efforts in the Asheville area
  • Time for fellowship with Friends of the MST and MORE!

2025 Schedule Overview

  • Thursday, March 20

    If you arrive early, come out and connect with Friends! Explore the Outer Banks on your own during the day and then we’ll gather that evening at a fun brewery for drinks and dinner on your own.

  • Friday, March 21

    Multiple guided hikes and excursions in the morning and afternoon to explore the Outer Banks; lunch on your own; Welcome Reception to recognize our volunteers and silent auction at Jennette’s Pier.

  • Saturday, March 22

    Annual meeting for Friends of the MST will be held at Roanoke Island Festival Park Theater; guest speakers will provide updates on the trail, volunteer opportunities, and so much more, followed by lunch and a guided hike at Jockey’s Ridge State Park; wrapping up with dinner on your own and a bonfire and s’mores at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

  • Sunday, March 23

    Guided hikes and excursions in the area!

  • SELF-GUIDED hikes and sites to see at the Outer Banks!

    Every year, we offer a comprehensive list of hikes and sites to see while you are visiting. This year, we have 16 different points of interest! Click here for the list and have fun exploring.

MST Gathering Group of Hikers

Thanks to our 2025 Sponsors

Sponsorships opportunities will soon be available for the 2026 Gathering.
This event is only possible because of the strong support of our partners.
If you’re interested in 2026 sponsorship opportunities, please email blaurenz@mountainstoseatrail.org