Pilot Mountain Salamander Scamper

Event details

The Pilot Mountain Salamander Scamper is a 25K trail race in Pinnacle, North Carolina. The start/finish area is at 301 Boyd Nelson Rd, Pinnacle, NC. Registration closes February 19, 2026. Race capacity is limited to 125 runners and there is a cut-off time of 2:30 pm. The entry fee includes a long-sleeve technical shirt (shirt size guaranteed for registrations by January 5), three fully stocked aid stations, a hot post-race meal, and a finishers medallion. Runners may transfer their registration to another runner through February 19, 2026; no refunds or transfers to another year or event are allowed. The race will proceed rain or shine unless Pilot Mountain State Park is closed for weather, in which case organizers will try to reschedule.

Course and logistics

The course begins at the Pilot Creek Trailhead and follows Pilot Creek Trail to the campground, then proceeds on Grindstone Trail, Ledge Springs Trail up to the mountain, Jomeokee Trail around the pinnacle, and returns via Grindstone and Pilot Creek Trail to the start/finish area. Full aid stations are located at approximately 3 miles, 7 miles, and 13 miles and provide water, Gatorade, Coke, gels, and fruit. Dry camping is available at Jomeokee Campground, about a six-minute drive from the race start. Packet pick-up is available the day before at the Pilot Mountain State Park Visitor Center and on race day at the start area; the park opens at 8:00 am. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.