The Coastal Region of the Mountains to Sea Trail extends through many small, rural towns as it meanders to the coast. One aspect of the trail that hikers learn to traverse are many of the backroads that lead to these towns. The 40 Hike Challenge includes a few hikes that allow the hiker to experience these towns and rural road walks. Hikes 27 & 28 through Roseboro, NC and White Oak, NC are short hikes in welcoming communities packed with history.
Hike #27: Downtown Roseboro Loop
Distance: 1.9 mile loop
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: Gain, 12 feet; loss, 12 feet
Source: Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains – to – Sea Trail
This short loop through the down of Roseboro gives thru hikers and section hikers on the MST a welcome break from the typical road walking. Roseboro is an historic and iconic town representative of the many eastern Carolina communities that settled around important railroad stations. In fact, some of the trail here follows the grade of the previous railroad bed.
The first part of the trail on NE Railroad St. is a narrow but not very busy road that takes the hiker to downtown Roseboro. Along the way, one of the first historic sites is an old brick solo used for burning unused lumber scraps.
Several revitalization projects are obvious as you enter the downtown square including vibrant murals and a very active community garden.
After crossing through Main Street in Roseboro, the Day Hike guide loops back to the start by going up Broad St. This is a lovely southern neighborhood with many historical homes and mature trees, canopying the sidewalk. These houses are beautiful which I will leave to you, the adventurer, to discover on your walk. Also, I did not feel comfortable snapping photos of these private homes.
Hike #28: Old Cape Fear Countryside
Distance: 2.1 miles one way
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Elevation Change: Gain, 21 feet; loss, 8 feet
Source: Great Day Hikes of North Carolina’s Mountains – to – Sea Trail
This was the first of the 40 Hike Challenges that was strictly on a road. With a length of only 2.1 miles, this is a good introduction to road walking. The MST begins at the White Oak Post Office and within just a few blocks, after passing by Cain’s Cafe, a quaint diner and convenience store, the trail turns right onto River Road.
River Road is very busy- I cannot say I saw any posted speed limit signs, and m0st drivers drove like that as well. Therefore, I recommend that you wear blaze orange and even carry something bright. There is plenty of room to stay on the side of the road away from traffic, and it appears that the roadside is kept well mowed.
The MST traverses areas of North Carolina to give adventurers a good representation of our state. One thing I discovered on this walk is how significant pig farming is in this area. Many large semi-trucks passed me on this road, and just a warning…. when one comes by you, you WILL know what I am talking about- the smell is overwhelming. This is a good time to have a bandana available to cover your nose and mouth.
The trail concludes at Harmony Hall Plantation which was constructed in the 1760’s by Col. James Richardson who fought in the French and Indian War. The home is believed to be one of the oldest residences in North Carolina that is still standing. The home is open to visitors with limited hours. More information can be found by going to their Facebook Page.
The site includes several original buildings as well as various restored structures and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is managed by the Historical Society of Bladen County.
Another hike completed across our great state of North Carolina !
A complete list of the 40 Hikes and their Blog Posts can be found here
40 Hike Challenge Blue Ridge Parkway Conserving Carolina Falls Lake Hickory Nut Gorge Hiking Lake Lure Linville Gorge Mountains to Sea Mount Mitchell North Carolina Trails