Part 1:After decades of planning and perspiring, a 900-mile trail from the Smokies to the shore takes shape.

Part 2:Landowners let strangers cross their property along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and cities in the Triad jump at chances for tourism.

Part 3:Developers and local leaders, citing demand from residents, put their weight behind the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Part 4:The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which one day will span the state, is still a work in progress. Its success depends on places such as Kinston, which represent both opportunities and challenges.

Those who dream of the 1,000-mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail talk about the challenges that remain and the promise the trail holds for bringing together different parts of North Carolina.

The final day of Scot Ward''s 930-mile journey across North Carolina on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail was, he said, his best day since he stepped off from Clingman's Dome in the Smoky Mountains.

The air cools in October, the humidity drops, and the changing leaves make a walk in the woods an irresistible pleasure.

Many activities are free, but some have fees. Here are some highlights.

Part 3:Developers and local leaders, citing demand from residents, put their weight behind the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Part 4:The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which one day will span the state, is still a work in progress. Its success depends on places such as Kinston, which represent both opportunities and challenges.