PROJECT B.4 MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail (MST) is proposed to span across the state approximately 1,400 miles from Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. Approximately 600 miles of the trail are constructed and designated including the section within McDowell County. This trail section spans approximately 22 miles and is located primarily on public lands managed by the National Park Service and US Forest Service in the northern portion of the County. B.4.1 Partnerships and Planning
B.4.2 Infrastructure Improvements
The primary partners in the Mountains-to-Sea State
The MST is constructed and designated within McDowell County. Trailheads primarily exist at overlooks along
Trail effort include the Friends of the Mountains to Sea
the Blue Ridge Parkway and at road crossings with minimal signage and trail information. The existing trail is a
Trail, National Park Service, and US Forest Service.
combination of new trail constructed within the last 10-20 years and older system trails located on National Park
Since the trail is constructed and designated in
Service and US Forest Service lands. Long term sustainability should be considered as existing trail sections are
McDowell County, additional planning should focus on
maintained and assessed.
trailhead improvement and additional access points to enhance the visitor experience.
ACTION ITEMS: •
ACTION ITEMS: •
Support the Friends of the Mountains to Sea
information. •
Trail in their efforts to maintain existing trail and participate in planning efforts to explore existing trailhead enhancements and additional access
Work with partners to formalize existing trailheads with kiosks to include branded signage and trail Support the maintenance and assessment of existing trail sections for long term environmental and social sustainability.
•
Work with partners to implement significant trailhead and trail improvements to enhance the visitor experience.
points.
FRIENDS OF MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAIL
EXH 25
Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail’s mission is to bring together communities and volunteers to build a simple footpath connecting North Carolina’s natural treasures for the enjoyment and education of people. The non-profit organization focuses on trail building and maintenance, improving the trail route and experience, providing information about the trail to users, advocacy, and fundraising.
74 — Recommendations
DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN