Trail Running calendar near Pickens 2025-2026

Tackle scenic, technical trails in charming Helen GA on December 13, 2025 with a half marathon or a 10K that rewards grit as much as speed. Register from March 17 and grab early swag by November 1; walkers are welcome and hills await.

Run through sunset to sunrise at Lakewood Nature Preserve on a looped course with options from 10K to 50 miles. Proceeds benefit the Upstate Running Club youth team and the barn hub keeps runners comfy for the overnight experience.

Fierce Dragon is a multi day trail event at Vogel State Park near Blairsville GA featuring ultramarathon distances from 40K to an epic 200 mile challenge. Register by Jan 8 to tackle classic Duncan Ridge terrain with aid supported courses.

Enjoy scenic trails along Fontana Lake with Great Smoky Mountain views at the Tsali Ultra on January 17, 2026, offering 8K, 30K and 50K options. The 50K also serves as the NC USATF Trail Championship for a competitive challenge.

Join the Wildcat Ramble 5K and Fun Run on Feb 14, 2026 in Athens, GA to support Oglethorpe Elementary PTO. Enjoy a scenic 5K that weaves school and YMCA trails or a kid friendly fun run, plus shirts, timing, and awards.

Join the Run for the River 5K on Feb 21, 2026 at Camp Kiwanis and take an optional river polar plunge for a chilly finish. Scenic trails along the Broad River with proceeds supporting local water quality monitoring.

Push your limits on Yonah Mountain with steep, technical out and back repeats and huge vertical over a packed winter weekend. Choose from 25K, 50K or 75K options or a two person tag team relay and celebrate at a nearby brewpub.

Run the Land and Lakes Relay in late Feb 2026, a scenic team relay from Warren Wilson College in Asheville to Fonta Flora Brewery near Lake James. Teams of four or six share varied mountain legs and finish with awards and a celebratory beer..

Run the scenic Catawba Falls 15k in Old Fort NC on Feb 28, 2026, a rugged trail that follows the river and climbs to waterfalls and mountain viewpoints. Proceeds support local trail conservation and finishers enjoy local post race food.

Join the 5th annual Union Mills Wilderness 5K and 10K on Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 in Union Mills, NC for timed races on scenic riverside and mountain routes. Proceeds support the Union Mills Learning Center.

Conquer the Rock features 25k and 50k trail courses at Table Rock State Park, including climbs of Table Rock and Pinnacle for a scenic, challenging day. Proceeds benefit the Upstate Running Club youth team and racers should bring their own..

Run or walk among ancient trees at the Trillium Trek in Gainesville, GA on March 7, 2026. Choose from a half marathon, 10K or 5K through Georgia's only national dedicated old growth forest for a scenic, nature filled race day.

Join the BigFoot Tech Trek 5K on March 7, 2026 in Marion NC for a friendly campus run on McDowell Technical Community College's Tech Trail. Loop a pond and soak up Blue Ridge Mountain views on a course welcoming all paces.

Run scenic trails at Lake Chapman Trail Races in Athens GA on March 15, 2026, with a 5K or 15K loop around Sandy Creek Park. Expect technical singletrack, medals for all finishers, and a popular event that sold out early last year.

Run 10 mile loops of scenic single track and rolling hills at Croft State Park. Choose 10 mile, 50K, 50 mile or 100 mile distances with stocked aid stations and on site camping for a welcoming ultrarunning weekend.

Tackle the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker in Old Fort NC, with epic 50 Miler and 55K options across rugged singletrack, steep climbs, and scenic ridgelines. Expect technical terrain, big elevation gain, and unforgettable mountain views.

Assault on BlackRock in Sylva NC on March 21 is a rugged 7 mile trail to the BlackRock summit with steep single track and epic views. Tackle massive elevation, chase buckle and cash prizes, and support outdoor murals downtown.

Georgia Death Race is a brutal 74 mile trail in North Georgia with 16,000 feet of climb and descent. Carry a railroad spike and finish under 24 hours to earn a Western States qualifier and an engraved spike.

Join the Trailblazer 5K at Dudley Park on March 28 to run the scenic Firefly Trail and support children's programming at Heard Park Community Center. Choose a youth fun run or virtual 5K on a Peachtree qualifying course with race day awards..

Run the Lake James Races at Fonta Flora Brewery in Nebo NC on April 4, 2026 with a scenic 7 Miler or lively 5k on singletrack trails. Finishers get a wooden medal, shirt and a beer while supporting the Lake James Environmental Association.