2026 Gathering of Friends

April 10-12, 2026

Asheville, North Carolina

Gathering of Friends 2024

Registration is now OPEN for Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s annual Gathering of Friends in Asheville April 10-12, 2026

The 2026 weekend in Asheville will include:

  • Early bird meet-up on Thursday evening
  • Friday welcome reception and dinner at Highland Brewing
  • Saturday Friends of the MST annual meeting at A-B Tech Community College
  • Recognition of MST volunteers and completers
  • Guided tours, excursions and hikes
  • Opportunities to learn from and connect with local partners and learn about community recovery efforts in the Asheville area
  • Time for fellowship with Friends of the MST and MORE!

When?

April 10-12, 2026

Who?

You! All are welcome to attend the annual Gathering of Friends. If you are a current member of the Friends of the MST, we’re excited to have you back.  Want to bring a guest? Simply include them with your registration (you’ll see a guest option on the registration page). If you aren’t a current member, you are welcome to join today or when you register for this event. Become a member today or join the Friends of the MST when you register by simply selecting non-member pricing which includes a $35 donation to become a member.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Gathering of Friends. The Gathering is our yearly membership event. We welcome anyone to attend, and if you are not yet a member of Friends of the MST, you’ll see non-member pricing that includes a yearly membership. These prices do not include lodging (see hotel info below).

  • Full event for members: Friday reception (dinner included) and Saturday annual meeting (lunch included) $95
    • Non-member $130 (includes your $35 annual membership)
  • Friday only for members: Welcome reception and dinner $50
    • Non-member $85 (includes your $35 annual membership)
  • Saturday only for members: 2026 annual meeting and lunch $50
    • Non-member $85 (includes your $35 annual membership)

2026 Gathering of Friends
Schedule Overview

  • Thursday, April 9

    Spend your day exploring the beautiful mountains and then we’ll gather around 5:00pm at Wicked Weed Funkatorium in downtown Asheville for drinks and dinner on your own. We are tentatively planning a special event in the area this Thursday morning. We’ll keep you updated as we get closer to the Gathering, but all will be welcome to join!

  • Friday, April 10

    Multiple guided hikes and excursions in the morning and afternoon to explore the mountains; lunch on your own; Welcome Reception and dinner to recognize our volunteers and silent auction at Highland Brewing Company.

  • Saturday, April 11

    Annual meeting for Friends of the MST will be held at A-B Tech Community College; speakers will provide updates on the trail, we’ll hear from community partners, and so much more, followed by lunch and break-out sessions; wrapping up with dinner on your own and an early evening hike to see the sun set.

  • Sunday, April 12

    Guided hikes and excursions in the area!

Hotel Blocks

Our event venues are in Asheville and we have room blocks in two nearby hotels for attendees. Discounted event rates are available Thursday, April 9 – Sunday, April 12, 2026. Please contact one of the hotels or campgrounds listed below directly to reserve your lodging.

Crowne Plaza Resort (1 Resort Drive, Asheville)
Three ways to reserve your room:
1) Call 844-330-0296 (24/7) to the central reservations call center and mention group name Gathering of Friends 2026 or group code GOF for the special group rate.
2) Call 828-285-2603 Monday – Friday, 9:00am–4:30pm and ask for in-house reservations mentioning Gathering of Friends 2026.
3) Use the booking link Gathering of Friends 2026, which will automatically add the contracted block dates and the group code.

Brookstone Lodge (4 Roberts Road, Asheville)
To reserve your room, call (828) 398-5888 and ask to book your room with the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail group.

Asheville Bear Creek RV Park (81 S. Bear Creek Rd)
To make a reservation, call 828-253-0798 or make a request on their website. No tent camping.

This event is only possible because of the strong support of our partners.
If you’re interested in 2026 sponsorship opportunities, please email blaurenz@mountainstoseatrail.org

Thanks to our 2026 Sponsors

We can’t wait to see you at the 2026 Gathering of Friends!

Thank you for supporting Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and our work to build, maintain and promote the MST.