Southern States 200

Event overview

The Southern States 200 (aka THE PINHOTI 200) is a point-to-point 200-mile trail run held March 18-22, 2026. The course distance is 203.14 miles with 27,933 feet of elevation gain and a 100-hour time limit. The race starts near Mill Creek, Dalton, Georgia, follows the Pinhoti Trail, crosses Chattahoochee and Talladega National Forests, and finishes at the summit of Mount Cheaha in Cheaha State Park.

Course and support

Terrain includes about 167 miles (82.3%) of single and double-track trails, 10.6 miles (5.2%) of packed dirt or gravel roads, and 25.4 miles (12.5%) of paved roads. Course notes highlight a mid-section on rail-trails, an 18.86-mile back-road section from Huffaker to Cave Spring, a return to mountain trails for most of the Alabama section, and a final 9-mile climb to the summit of Cheaha.

Support features include 15 full aid stations plus one water-only station; all aid stations use 10x20 or larger tents with sidewalls and are heated when needed. There is hot, made-to-order food 24/7 with meal options, medical personnel on course, and drop-bag service at 12 stations. Crew access is allowed at all aid stations except John's Mountain and Lost Gulch. Five heated sleep stations are located at miles 69, 101, 122, 158, and 183 and include sleeping pads, bags, and a wake-up service. The course is marked with flags and reflective tape after Snake Creek Gap, all runners use SPOT trackers, and runners must carry the GPX course file on a navigation device. Training camp is scheduled February 7-8, 2026, limited to 30 participants and includes course previews, meals, and transport. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.