Mountains to Sea Trail

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a part of the North Carolina State Parks System. Beginning at Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and ending in the Outerbanks at Jocky’s Ridge State Park, this trail is still being developed, with about 650 miles of the planned 1,200 are complete. However, highways connect the segments along the entire route.

However, the starting portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 100% complete and accessible. The trail can be accessed at Clingmans Dome, along the Appalachian Trail or by Highway 441, in the southern portion of the park, near Oconaluftee Visitor Center. You can hike approximately 23.3 miles on this trail in the park.

Unlike the Appalachian Trail, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail does not have any shelters along it in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Camping by tent is permitted, only in pre-established campsites that are numbered on the park map. To reserve a campsite for an overnight stay, you can call the Backcountry Office at (865) 436-1231. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is highlighted in purple on the GSMNP map.

For more information, visit the North Carolina State Parks- Mountains-to-Sea Trail Web page and the Friends of the Mountain-to-Sea Trail Web site.

Click here to see the map of the whole trail within the state of North Carolina.

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