We invite you and your company to join our growing community of trail enthusiasts as an MST Business Partner.

With all the talk about divisions in our society, wouldn’t it feel great to get behind something that is helping to unite North Carolina? The MST is literally and figuratively such a project.

The MST runs for 1,175 miles from the Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, passing through nine national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests; 15 state parks, historic sites, and game lands; dozens of communities large and small; and thousands of acres of scenic private land. The MST physically links these beautiful “islands” together along a single dedicated trail.

It isn’t necessary to hike every mile in order to enjoy it. Tens of thousands of people use the trail every day. Many walk short sections, some of which pass through urban areas on highly accessible paths and boardwalks. Others backpack on rugged trail through wilderness areas. In short, the MST offers something for everyone, be it half-an-hour of exercise or a months-long adventure.

One of the most delightful benefits of the trail is how it draws people together, promoting connections among people from all different parts of the state and different walks of life. It serves as a terrific community-building project. Working side-by-side on trail crews, meeting as hikers on the trail, joining together to plan segments for their communities, North Carolinians have a chance to get to know each other and work toward a common goal – a gift for present and future generations.

Friends of the MST is the vibrant nonprofit organization that assists volunteers, hikers and communities work together to build, enhance and raise awareness of the trail. Our reach to trail enthusiasts and community leaders grows steadily as awareness of the trail expands.

The financial support of businesses like yours is a critical component to our statewide efforts. Giving programs are described more fully below and in the program brochure and donation form. For more information, please contact Brent Laurenz Executive Director, at blaurenz@mountainstoseatrail.org 919-825-0297 x 701.

“Thru Hike” Society

$10,000+

Benefits: All of the benefits listed in “Section-Hike” Society below plus:

• Exclusive news post about partnership on Friends website
• Two guided hikes or days of service organized for your company
• Eight free tickets to the Gathering of Friends

“Section Hike” Society

$5,000-9,999

Benefits: All of the benefits listed in “Weekend” Society below plus:

• Recognized in an e-news article
• One guided hike or day of service organized for your company
• Four free tickets to the Gathering of Friends

“Weekend” Society

$2,500-$4,999

Benefits: All of the benefits listed in “1000-Mile” Society below plus:

• Recognized in a Facebook post
• Invited to donate a door prize at the Gathering of Friends
• Two free tickets to the Gathering of Friends

“1000-Mile” Society

$1,000-$2,499

Benefits:

• Listing on webpage by level of giving with a link to your company’s website
• Recognition in Annual Report by level of Giving
• Business Member decals for store or vehicle
• MST map for display in business/office

“Day Hike” Society

$500 -$999

Benefits:

• Listing on webpage by level of giving
• Recognition in Annual Report by level of Giving
• Business Member decals for store or vehicle
• MST map for display in business/office

Business Partner

$100 to $499

Benefits:

• Recognition in Annual Report by level of Giving
• Business Member decals for store or vehicle

If you’d like your company to become an MST Business Partner, please contact Brent Laurenz, Executive Director, at blaurenz@mountainstoseatrail.org or 919-825-0297. You can also download this program description and donation form and mail it in with your contribution.