The Naturalist - Franklin, NC

The Naturalist - Franklin, NC

The Naturalist is a trail race in Franklin, North Carolina organized by Outdoor 76 as part of its Fall Celebration. The course begins in downtown Franklin, follows the Bartram Trail to Wallace Branch, and then ascends to Wayah Bald. Two distances are offered.

• 25K - roughly 5,500 feet elevation gain, finishes at Wayah Bald summit.
• 50K - more than 8,500 feet elevation gain, loops Wayah Bald and returns.

Aid stations are stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, fruit, energy bars and snacks. Stations are located near mile 3.5 (Wallace Branch), 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 ascending Wayah Bald are advised to carry at least one liter of water.

Field size is capped at 150 entrants combined. Parking at Wayah Bald is limited. A free shuttle returns 25K runners to the start on race day. Registration closes October 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Check-in is scheduled Friday evening and on race morning.

Cutoffs are set at mile 9, mile 14.5 and mile 19.5 with published times; missing cutoffs may affect course completion. The event includes post-race live music, craft beer, food trucks and awards. No refunds or deferrals; participants sign a waiver acknowledging inherent risks. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.