The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is an iconic hiking journey in the Southeast. This trail begins in Kuwohi, near Bryson City, NC, in the Great Smoky Mountains and stretches almost 1200 miles to Jockey’s Ridge in the Outer Banks of NC. So, how lucky are we here in the Great Smokies to have a big segment of this epic trail in our backyard?!
The Mingus Creek Trail is a segment of the MST that begins near the Mingus Mill parking area in Cherokee. This 6-mile out-and-back will provide an intense workout with its 1500-ft elevation gain in the form of steep climbs along rocky switchbacks. Leave this one to the experienced hikers. Give yourself the full morning or all afternoon to enjoy this one. No dogs allowed on this trail, so leave your pups at home.