The Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST)
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs 1,000 miles across North Carolina from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. The MST begins at Clingman’s Dome on the NC-TN border, crosses over Mount Mitchell, and extends all the way to Jockey’s Ridge State Park in the Outer Banks. Much of the trail consists of foot paths, but some is linked by roads and state bike routes. The trail offers great opportunity to take day hikes or longer backpacking trips through the most beautiful parts of the state.
Clayton River Walk, part of the MST!
In April of 2013, a section of the MST, called the Clayton River Walk, opened in our home county, just a few miles from our house. We took advantage of some great weather recently to explore the it. The trail, which offers a 10 foot wide paved path, runs along the Neuse River. We are fortunate to have easy access to the Trail just a few miles from our house! I’m confident we’ll explore more of the Mountains-to-Sea trail in the coming months.
On our hike we encountered lots of bicyclists, families walking their dogs, and groups of friends enjoying the trail. It’s an easy walk, with easy access from a couple different points. The trail’s proximity to the Neuse River does make it susceptible to flooding, just look at the flooding in the bottom photo on the right.
Ellie enjoyed the clackety clack as her scooter ran across the boards!
Ben’s got mad skillz!
Directional signs — can’t get lost! (And in the background on the right, doggie bags)
Accessing Clayton River Walk
Three parking areas offer easy access to the Clayton River Walk:
- 2928 Horseshoe Farm Road (2928 Horseshoe Farm Road)
- Buffaloe Road Athletic Park (5812 Buffaloe Road)
- Anderson Point Park (20 Anderson Point Drive)
Drinking fountains and restrooms are available at the Buffaloe Road Athletic Park and Anderson Point Park. Doggie bags and garbage cans are located along the trail for the benefit of all guests.
Molly Maurer says
Hmmm do you think school would understand if I just up and left on a random road trip to find my adventurous spirit? 🙂
Karen Dawkins says
Fall break!!!
Liz says
The trail looks gorgeous! This would be a fun family vacation destination!
Karen Dawkins says
It is! Anywhere on the trail!
Lexie Lane says
Your kids are incredibly lucky to be able to see so much of life like this. You are such a great mom! This is so beautiful! I mean, look at how clean and green and just lovely all of it is.
Karen Dawkins says
Thanks, Lexie!!!
Corinne says
I love paths like these! We are woefully short of them where I live in Northern Virginia, but in my parents’ home town they converted an old railroad into a trail like this and it is wonderful for biking, walking, rollerblading, etc.
Karen Dawkins says
We have rail trails nearby too, but not as close as the MST. Rail trails are quite intriguing. I did a post on one last fall. 🙂
Holly @ Woman Tribune says
What a beautiful trail! It is so great that a section of the trail opened up right near your house so you and your family can visit and take in all the beautiful nature whenever you’d like.
Karen Dawkins says
I know — it’s wonderful. I feel so blessed!
Rosey says
We also have access to a great trail that is close to our house. It’s about to be cold weather here though, so that’s going to stop us going until next spring here pretty soon.
Your pics are great. 🙂
Karen Dawkins says
Thanks, Rosey! I have cooperative kids when it comes to photos. 🙂
What’s the trail by your house? Should I come visit?
Leigh @oneandoneequalstwinfun.com says
WOW looks so peaceful! Looks like Ellie and Ben enjoyed it too. How many miles did you do?
Karen Dawkins says
We only did two miles — Daisy was with us and that is a long hike when your legs are only 8″ long — even if you have four of them. 🙂
Hezzi-D says
Cool trail! It looks like there is a lot of beautiful nature around.
Karen Dawkins says
I live in the country, but close to the city…. I’m a hybrid mouse (city mouse/country mouse).
Sofia says
I’d love to go hiking there!! Looks like a gorgeous place 🙂
Karen Dawkins says
We have a particularly beautiful, easy section here. I hope to cover the full 1,000 miles with daytrips over the next few years.
Cococute says
I would love to do hiking in our place too and thank you for sharing your story
Karen Dawkins says
What might one find where you live?
Michele says
What a beautiful trail to hike or stroll. You are very lucky to live close enough to go whenever you have the time. I especially like that there is signage. And I am more then pleased they allow dogs-and have doggie bags provided to make life easier. I no longer have dogs but always took them with me when I did.
Karen Dawkins says
It’s fabulous! I take our dog wherever I can… She even goes to the hardware store these days. If I lived in Paris, ooohhhh la la, she’d be well-known at all the bistros!