Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker
Old Fort, United States • 21 Mar 2026
Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50M/55K
The Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker takes place in Old Fort, North Carolina, with the start and finish lines located at Camp Grier. The event utilizes the trail systems of the Pisgah National Forest, offering runners a tour of the mountain landscape in the shadow of Mount Mitchell. The course consists of a variety of terrain types, including technical singletrack, grassy double track, gravel roads, and short sections of pavement.
Participants can choose between two main distances:
- 50 Miles: Features approximately 10,500 feet of elevation gain and crosses three peaks over 6,000 feet, including Mount Mitchell.
- 55 Kilometers: Features approximately 7,500 feet of elevation gain and includes two major climbs and descents.
The course incorporates notable trails such as Snooks Nose, Green Knob, Black Mountain Crest, and Heartbreak Ridge. Due to environmental factors, alternate routes may be utilized that maintain significant elevation changes and singletrack sections. Aid stations are positioned every 4 to 7 miles, providing water, electrolyte drinks, and various food items.
Safety regulations require all runners to carry specific gear, including a rain shell, a minimum 30oz water capacity, a whistle, a mobile phone, and an emergency blanket. GPS tracking devices are provided to participants for the duration of the event. On-site lodging options at Camp Grier include cabins and camping facilities. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.