MST Thru-Hike Permit: Route and Dates
MST Thru-Hike is in Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and the agency does not require a permit for it. The route covers 1175 miles.
This guide covers the Mountains-to-Sea Trail Thru-Hike permit.
Free to hike; two permits are required along the route (Great Smoky Mountains backcountry permit and, on weekends/holidays May-October, Linville Gorge Wilderness overnight permit)
Permit Cost
3-4 months
Duration
1175 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About MST Thru-Hike
Walk 1,175 miles across North Carolina from Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome) in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey's Ridge on the Outer Banks, crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway, Piedmont farmland and coastal plain forest along the way.
The MST Thru-Hike route
- Distance
- 1175 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- High point
- 6,684 ft
- Trip length
- 3-4 months
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Entry points: Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), Jockey's Ridge State Park
North Carolina, coast to mountains. Nearest town: Gatlinburg, TN / Cherokee, NC
Points along the route
- Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome)Mile 0, 6,643 ft
- Deep Creek1,728 ft
- Backcountry Campsite 57 (Kephart)
- Mingus Mill / Mingus CreekMile 26.9, 2,046 ft
- Waterrock KnobMile 46.8, 6,292 ft
- Skinny Dip Falls
- Graveyard Fields
- Mount Pisgah / Pisgah InnMile 110.4, 5,719 ft
- Craggy GardensMile 156, 5,683 ft
- Mount MitchellMile 171.7, 6,684 ft
- Black Mountain Campground / Black MountainMile 181.9, 2,399 ft
- Linville GorgeMile 216.7, 1,256 ft
- Shortoff MountainMile 219.5, 2,970 ft
- Table Rock1,265 ft
- Beacon HeightsMile 258.6, 4,370 ft
- Grandfather MountainMile 261.1, 5,915 ft
And 15 more named points along the route.
MST Thru-Hike permit detailsandAll Mountains-to-Sea Trail permits
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for MST Thru-Hike?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When can I use a MST Thru-Hike permit?
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The season typically runs March to November. Check with Mountains-to-Sea Trail for exact dates.
How long is the MST Thru-Hike route?
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The route is 1175 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 3-4 months.
How difficult is the MST Thru-Hike route?
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This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
Where does the MST Thru-Hike route start?
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The permit covers 2 entry points: Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), Jockey's Ridge State Park.
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