The Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) of North Carolina is a 935-mile trail consisting of footpaths, roads, and state bike routes. In the Asheville area, this continuous backcountry Trail (white blaze with signs like one to the right) roughly follows with Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway section of the MST has been designated a National Recreation Trail by the Secretary of the Interior, extending for nearly 193 miles and making it the longest section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. The scenic foot trail ascends and descends with the contours of the Parkway, crossing expansive forests, wildflower gardens, major rivers, and historic sites. The entire trail stretches from Clingman's Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey's Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. When completed, this trail will connect 37 counties, including numerous cities, state parks, and U.S. Forest Service lands. Given the numerous partners and landowners involved, this trail system should be commended for what has been achieved through a diverse partnership. With almost half of the trail now open to the public, this amazing trail is connecting North Carolina in a truly unique way