Trail Running calendar near Sylva 2026-2027

Experience a scenic 10 mile run or hike around the shores of Lake Summit on packed gravel roads. Enjoy mountain views and a pancake breakfast at the finish line in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

XC Experience is a two lap 5k on the R S Central High School cross country course in Rutherfordton NC. The route uses packed dirt, grass and some pavement and finishes on the stadium track with multiple spectator viewing points.

A multi-distance trail event at Panther Creek State Park on a 2.9 mile loop, offering 3, 6, 12 and 24 hour races plus a 6 hour ruck division and team relays with Base Camp amenities and a single aid station.

A 5K trail run and 1 mile asphalt fun run at Big Ridge State Park on September 19, 2026, with online preregistration and fees supporting the Y's youth health and wellness programs.

Experience a scenic 8k trail race through the forests and wetlands of Lake Conestee Nature Park. Run or walk a five mile loop featuring natural trails and boardwalks with views of the lake and local wildlife.

A one-way 2.5 mile ascent on Yonah Mountain near Cleveland, GA, gaining about 1,650 feet; timed from bottom to summit with an optional ruck division requiring minimum carried weight and a medal for finishers.

Upstate Strut for Childhood Cancer on September 26, 2026 at Milliken Arboretum features a 5K and a 1 mile fun run to raise funds for children with cancer. The event includes race shirts, team competitions, and age group awards.

A 13.1 mile half marathon on the Croft Passage of the Palmetto Trail in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The technical course has some hills, a four hour cutoff and a field limited to 250 runners.

A trail race in Franklin NC on October 3, 2026 offering 25K and 50K routes on the Bartram Trail to Wayah Bald, multiple aid stations, a field limit of 150, and post-race music, food and awards.

Run the historic Colonel Robert Sink Trail on Currahee Mountain. This event features unpaved uphill courses through the training grounds of WWII paratroopers with options for a 5K walk/run or a 10K mountain run.

Trail races in Dahlonega GA on October 3, 2026. Options include a 50K and a half marathon on three roughly 10 mile loops of the Jake and Bull Mountain trails, with about 5000 feet elevation gain, waterfalls and three aid stations.

Experience a scenic 13.1 mile trail loop through Paris Mountain State Park featuring 2,300 feet of elevation gain. Run past tranquil lakes and waterfalls while enjoying panoramic summit views and vibrant fall foliage.

A mountain trail event near Blue Ridge, Georgia offering 50K, 30K and 15K courses along the Benton MacKaye Trail with technical singletrack, creek crossings and six aid stations; the start and finish are at the historic Shallowford iron bri..

Trail races at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park on October 10, 2026 offering about 6.2 mile and 9.3 mile courses with chip timing, one water station, and awards for the top ten men and top ten women in each race.

A trail race in south Knoxville on October 10 offering a 50k and a 7 Miler across varied singletrack and technical rock, with nearly 4,000 ft of climbing and aid stations placed along the route.

A 6 kilometer cross country race on the GE Vernova campus in Greenville SC featuring mixed surfaces and a closed course. Participants receive socks and age group awards; corporate shield team selection is required at registration.

A timed endurance event in Whittier, NC offering 24, 12, 6 and 3 hour runs plus ruck divisions; a 1.4 mile loop mixes gravel and asphalt, features lap scoring with chip or self-keeping, and on-site lodging options.

Experience a trail running retreat at Sadlers Creek State Park featuring distances from a 10k to a 100 mile ultra. Enjoy a scenic looped course along Lake Hartwell with lakeside camping and a community campfire atmosphere.

A community oriented trail event in Sevierville offering a 24 hour challenge and an eight hour 9 to 5 option on a 3 mile loop, with central aid, finisher medal, custom T shirt, and a Dolly themed buckle for 80 miles.

An 8.5 mile trail race in DuPont State Forest near Hendersonville NC benefiting Friends of DuPont State Forest, limited to 300 participants and offering a virtual option, race swag and a wooden finisher medal.