The Mountains to Sea Trail, which stretches 1,175 miles from Clingman’s Dome to Jockeys Ridge, is 45 years young in September and Pender County partners are joining in the birthday celebration.
“The trail travels the length of Pender County, through two trail towns, Burgaw and Surf City, as well as Moores Creek National Battlefield,” said Tammy Proctor, Pender County Tourism Director.
To celebrate the birthday of this beautiful trail, Burgaw Parks and Recreation, Surf City Parks and Recreation, Moores Creek National Battlefield, and Pender County Tourism are hosting family-friendly hikes.
“The hikes range from 1-to-2-mile hikes,” said Proctor.
The MST Birthday Hikes kick off in Pender County with the Surf City Bridge Hike. Hikers will meet in Soundside Park at 9 a.m. on Sept. 8 to cross the Surf City Bridge. The hike will be led by a volunteer from the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail. The hike will feature a “Kodak moment” at the peak of the bridge for a beautiful view of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Herrings Outdoor Sports has donated an Ice Mule Cooler, valued at $80, which will be raffled off to a lucky winner.
On Sept. 9, the Town of Burgaw will host a birthday hike along the beautiful Osgood Canal Greenway. Hikes will meet at Hankins Park for a 9 a.m. step-off. And what’s a birthday celebration without cake? Cupcakes will be given away by Pender County Tourism staff.
On Saturday, Sept. 10, Moores Creek National Battlefield will host a 1.5 mile walk-and-talk that will be dog-friendly. This will entail a walk of the History Trail, Tar Heel Trail, Woodpecker Trail, and Black River Road, all in the park. This is not a guided tour, but rather an informal walk with Jason Howell. Hikers will meet at the park’s Visitor Center by 9 a.m. The planned timeframe is approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour and visitors can walk the loop as many times as they would like.
“All hikes are free to participate,” said Proctor. “We just ask that all hikers register with the tourism office so we can plan appropriately.”
To register, call 910-259-1278.
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