2025 Gathering of Friends

March 21-23, 2025

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Save the date! We’re excited to announce that Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s annual Gathering of Friends will be held on the Outer Banks March 21-23, 2025!

Gathering of Friends 2024

We had an amazing time at the 2024 Gathering of Friends in Black Mountain and can’t wait to celebrate with the MST community on the coast next year.

If you’ve never joined us for a Gathering of Friends before, you can see details on the 2024 event in Black Mountain below.

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.

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

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

Oregon Inlet Campground (Cape Hatteras National Seashore)
Reservations at the campground are available up to 6 months in advance, so they’ll be available for the Gathering in late September.
• Call 877-444-6777 or you may reserve online here

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 once registration opens.

Registration?

Registration for the event will open closer to the event date.

The Gathering is our annual membership event. We welcome anyone to attend, and if you are not a member of the Friends of the MST, you’ll see non-member pricing that includes your annual membership of $35.

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!

2024 Schedule Overview

  • Thursday, May 2nd

    If you arrive early, come out and connect with Friends! We’ll explore the area and play around downtown Black Mountain; we’ll gather that evening at a fun location in downtown Black Mountain.

  • Friday, May 3rd

    Multiple guided hikes, a trail workday and fun excursions to explore Black Mountain and surrounding areas; lunch on your own; Welcome Reception and Dinner beginning at 5pm at Blue Ridge Assembly to celebrate our volunteers and trail maintainers.

  • Saturday, May 4th

    Annual meeting for Friends of the MST will be held at Washburn Center at Blue Ridge Assembly; guest speakers will provide updates on the trail, volunteer opportunities, and so much more, followed by a group hike on the property; and wrapping up with dinner on your own. Check-in begins at 8am, and the meeting starts at 9am.

  • Sunday, May 5th

    Guided hikes and excursions in the area!

  • SELF-GUIDED HIKES

    We’ve polled our local Friends and here’s their list of fabulous self-guided hikes.

2024 Sponsors

Sponsorships are available for the Gathering.
This event is possible because of the strong support of our partners.

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Logo
Mast General Store

Cancellation Policy for 2024

We’re excited to welcome you to the 2024 Gathering of Friends at Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain. If for any reason you need to cancel, please follow the policy listed below and on the registration site.

Blue Ridge Assembly’s cancellation policy: housing payments are refundable if reservation is cancelled prior to Wednesday, April 3, 2024. After Wednesday, April 3, 2024, $100 deposits are non-refundable, however, are transferable to a replacement participant. If a housing cancellation is made within the month before The Gathering, Blue Ridge Assembly keeps $100 dollars as a deposit and refunds the remaining amount. No refunds will be issued for reservations cancelled during program dates. Packages cannot be divided or discounted for missed nights, meals, or programs. Reservations will not be made without a deposit. The Gathering of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail event package will be refundable until April 24th (less a $20 handling fee). All cancellations must be requested in writing to Josh at Blue Ridge Assembly; jsartori@yblueridge.org.