Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s mission is to bring together communities and volunteers to build, maintain, and advocate for an enduring footpath connecting North Carolina’s natural, historic, and cultural treasures and to ensure that all people feel welcome on the trail.
As the lead nonprofit organization working to build, maintain and promote the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Friends of the MST supports the trail in a number of different ways.
Trail Building and Maintenance
Hundreds of volunteers build and maintain trail across the state.
Helping People Enjoy the Trail
We spread the word so all people can find joy and inspiration on the MST and help them find ways to use, care for and extend the trail. We are the primary source of information about how to hike the trail through this website and trail guides.
Improving the Trail Route
We work to improve the hiking experience – identifying and opening campsites, providing interesting routes on quiet backroads to connect sections of completed trail, recruiting “trail angels” who can help thru-hikers on their statewide treks. We work with State Parks, local governments and nonprofit land trusts to help them acquire more land to build new sections of trail.
Advocacy
We help elected officials – local, state and federal – understand the value of the trail for recreation, quality of life, the economy and environment. We explain how our governments can help make it happen.
Fundraising
We encourage individuals and businesses to contribute financially to support the trail.
Join us to build and care for the trail.
Allen de Hart, Founder of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, 1926-2016 | Photo courtesy of Les Love
