Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest

Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest

Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest takes place in Valdese, NC on October 10, 2026 and is organized by Friends of the Valdese Rec. The event uses timed formats where participants try to cover as many miles as possible on an approximately 3-mile loop.

The event offers these timed options:

• 12 hour event
• 6 hour event
• 3 hour event

The loop is about three miles long and includes roughly two miles of trail and one mile of crushed cinder greenway. The format allows participants to pursue a target distance within the chosen time window; an example provided is aiming for a 50K by running the six hour event at about a 5 mph pace, or using the 12 hour event to combine running and hiking.

Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest serves as the kickoff event for Great State Trail Day the following weekend. The start/finish area will include space for 10x10 tents or tables and an assortment of food and beverages during the races. Organizers also plan to have live music on the pavilion stage at times during the event.

Location: 1149 Lake Rhodhiss Drive, Valdese, NC. The event is presented as a change from previous distance races to the new timed format for 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.