2025 Gathering of Friends
March 21-23, 2025
Outer Banks, North Carolina
When?
March 21 – 23, 2025
Where?
We have room blocks in two neighboring hotels for attendees to enjoy time together in Kill Devil Hills near the event venues. Discounted event rates are available Thursday, March 20 – Sunday, March 23, 2025. Guaranteed room blocks expired 2/18/2025. Please contact one of the hotels or campgrounds listed below to reserve your lodging. Hotels will honor pricing based on room availability if calling after 2/18/2025.
Comfort Inn on the Ocean
(1601 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills)
There are two ways to reserve your room (make sure to book at Kill Devil Hills location):
• Call 252-441-6333 and mention that you are with “Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail – March 2025” or you may reserve online here. Guaranteed room blocks expire on 2/18/2025, but the Comfort Inn will honor pricing based on room availability.
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham
(1701 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills)
There are two ways to reserve your room:
• Call 252-441-2151 and mention that you are with Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, or you may reserve online here. Guaranteed room blocks expire on 2/18/2025, but the hotel will honor pricing based on room availability.
Oregon Inlet Campground
(Cape Hatteras National Seashore)
Reservations at the campground are available up to 6 months in advance, so they are available now.
• Call 877-444-6777 or you may reserve online here. Please note that shower houses open 4/1/2025.
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 for the Gathering of Friends includes:
- Welcome Reception will include drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and silent auction on Friday at Jennette’s Pier, the Annual Meeting on Saturday (includes lunch) at Roanoke Island Festival Park and Jockey’s Ridge State Park, and all free excursions is $85 (plus $35 for non-members).
- You may register for each day individually, at a rate of $45 for the Friday Welcome Reception (FULL), or $55 for the Saturday Annual Meeting.
- March 3 update: Full weekend and Friday only registration are now full. Limited number of Saturday only spaces available, which still includes opportunity to join scheduled hikes and excursions.
The 2025 weekend at the Outer Banks includes:
- Early bird meet-up on Thursday evening
- Friday’s Welcome Reception at Jennette’s Pier
- Saturday’s Friends of the MST annual meeting at Roanoke Island Festival Park with group hike and presentation at Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- Recognition of MST volunteers and completers
- Guided tours, excursions and hikes
- Opportunities to learn from and connect with local partners
- Time for fellowship with Friends of the MST and MORE!
2025 Schedule Overview
Cancellation policy: Because of food and beverage deposits, no refunds will be offered after March 3, 2025.
