Pilot Mountain Goat
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Pilot Mountain Goat
The Pilot Mountain Goat is a trail running event on December 19, 2026, held at Pilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle, NC (1792 Pilot Knob Park Road). The event offers two distances:
- 7 Miler
- 3 Miler
Both races start at the campground and finish at the top of the mountain. Course details: runners follow a wide gravel trail onto Grindstone Trail; the 3 mile route climbs to the upper parking lot, uses the Pilot Knob trail around the knob, and returns to the finish area above the bathrooms. The 7 mile route continues from Grindstone onto Mountain Trail to circle the back of the mountain, reconnects to Grindstone, then follows Pilot Knob trail to the same finish location.
Participants should note the finish is at the summit and they must return to their vehicles either by running or walking approximately 2.25 miles back down the trail or by arranging a ride; park rangers cannot provide rides down after the race. Event capacity is limited to 150 runners total. The first 49 cars will park at the campground; remaining cars will use overflow parking. Long sleeve technical shirts are provided. Awards are given to top finishers and age groups, and a post-race breakfast is included.
Packet pick-up is available Friday, December 18, 4:00–5:30 pm at the Pilot Mountain Visitor Center, and race day at the starting area from 8:15–9:50 am. No refunds are issued; transfers or distance changes are allowed through the race platform by December 16, 2026. The event will run in normal weather and will be rescheduled only if the state park closes for weather conditions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
