The Naturalist - Franklin, NC
Franklin, United States • 4 Oct 2025
The Naturalist : Franklin, NC (Oct 4, 2025)
The Naturalist is a trail race held on Oct 4, 2025 in Franklin, North Carolina. The event is based at Outdoor 76 on Main Street and follows the historic Bartram Trail, beginning in downtown Franklin, passing Wallace Branch and climbing toward Wayah Bald.
- 25K: roughly 5,500 feet of elevation gain
- 50K: exceed 8,500 feet of elevation gain
Course, aid and logistics
The 25K finishes atop Wayah Bald. The 50K circles Wayah Bald, refuels, and returns along the trail. Aid stations provide water, electrolyte drinks, fruit, energy bars and other snacks. Post-race festivities include live music, craft beer, food trucks and awards.
Aid locations are listed at Mile 3.5 (Wallace Branch, limited aid), Mile 9 (Harrison Gap), Mile 14.5 (Wayah Bald summit), Mile 19.5 (Harrison Gap return, 50K only) and Mile 25 (Wallace Branch return, 50K only). Runners are strongly advised to carry at least 1 liter of water. The field is capped at 150 entrants combined, parking is limited at Wayah Bald, and a shuttle is available to return 25K runners to the start. Time cutoffs are enforced at aid locations. No refunds or deferrals; participants are required to sign a release acknowledging event risks. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.