October is a great time to explore North Carolina on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.Whether you like to hike, paddle, bike or go on a scavenger hunt, North Carolina’s 3rd annual Mountains-to-Sea Trail Month in October offers those opportunities and more to outdoor enthusiasts. Wilderness areas, waterfalls and wonderful fall color are all on the agenda this year.
Peruse the list of MST Month events by location and by date and find one or more that works for you.
Some of the highlights this year include:
Trail Dedication & Covered Dish Luncheon — Be among the first to explore 25 new miles of the MST on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Boone — Saturday, October 2.
Clues on the Neuse – This scavenger hunt will be a fun and educational way for families to explore the Buffalo Creek Greenway, a brand new section of the MST in Smithfield — Sunday, October 10.
Famed Alpinist Conrad Anker – Hear Anker’s gripping tale, illustrated with photos and videos, of his ascent up Mount Meru in the Himalayas, the adventure of his lifetime. Sponsored by Great Outdoor Provision Co. and The North Face, with proceeds to benefit FMST — Tuesday, October 19.
Paddle the Neuse River – Join the Lower Neuse Riverkeeper on a 10+ mile leisurely paddle in the Kinston area where the trail is planned for the future — Friday, October 1.
125-Mile Bike Ride – Calling all experienced bikers: you can complete half the coastal plain section of the MST in one day on this out-and-back ride from Raleigh to Black Creek – Saturday, October 23.
Hike the MST to Bald Knob – This strenuous 8-mile hike is a great way to to explore one of the most beautiful and remote sections of the MST with a trail leader who knows the area well – Saturday, October 9.
Trail Workday & Cookout at Falls Lake – Want to help build the final sections of the MST at Falls Lake? Work starts at 9:00 AM. The cookout to reward the volunteers starts at 5:00 PM — Saturday, October 23
MST Month is made possible through the support of many friends and corporate sponsors. You can help the trail too by buying a raffle ticket this October with all proceeds going to our efforts to extend and maintain the trail across North Carolina.
Buy your ticket at any Great Outdoor Provision Co. store, located in seven cities across North Carolina. Prizes include a chance to win more than $3000 in gift certificates from Great Outdoor Provision Co, Patagonia, Vasque, Merrell, Columbia and Woolrich.