This popular area, conveniently accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a spectacular showcase of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Overnight camping opportunities are plentiful for those looking to spend the night under the stars. For an experienced hiker or runner, this route could easily be completed in a day.

The Mountains to Sea Trail is North Carolina's premier thru-hiking trail. Connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Outer Banks, it showcases the state's diverse and beautiful terrain. It connects high elevation spruce-fir forests to rolling Piedmont hills and fresh springs to coastal beaches.

This portion of the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Balsam Gap. Skirting around the Eastern Cherokee Reservation, this segment contains the only stretch of road in the western half of the state, a portion typically only traveled by thru-hikers.

This portion of the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) departs from Balsam Gap on an epic journey into the Great Balsam Range. As you ascend into the higher elevations, mixed deciduous forest gives way to southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest, flora typically confined to the northern latitudes.

This segment of the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) traverses from the Iconic Pisgah Inn to Mt. Mitchell State Park. A 3-mile round trip detour to Mt. Pisgah will reward you with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from a developed observation deck. Similar to Mt. Pisgah, a spur to the summit of Mt. Mitchell will take you to the highest point east of the Mississippi River, just shy of 6,700'.

At nearly 1,200 miles long, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is North Carolina's premier long-distance hiking trail. Connecting the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, this portion of the trail is best known for its traverse through Linville Gorge. This segment begins with a long, steady descent from Mount Mitchell, following the same path as the Mount Mitchell Trail.

Beginning at NC-181, this portion of the ~1,200-mile long Mountains to Sea Trail travels through rugged wilderness before paying a visit to Grandfather Mountain. The first portion of this hike leads through Harper Creek and Lost Cove Wilderness Study Areas. Not officially designated as wilderness by the USFS, they share several similar characteristics.

Sometimes referred to as "Section 5," this portion of the Mountains to Sea Trail showcases North Carolina's beautiful high country. Endless views await as you traverse a long winding ridge lined with historic farmlands.

Graveyard Fields is one of the more popular spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Pisgah National Forest - and it's not hard to see why. Over 5,000' above sea level, this flat mountain valley is known for its incredibly serene and beautiful waterfalls that pass through forming the headwaters of the Yellowstone Prong of the Pigeon River.

Commissioned in 1941, the 70' tall fire tower on Fryingpan Mountain is the perfect destination for a short hike. The panoramic views from it's perch also make it the perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. To many, this overlook offers considerably better views compared nearby Mount Pisgah, with much less effort to get there.