North Carolina
North Carolina Trail Running Calendar 2026-2027
Explore the best trail runs in North Carolina for 2026-2027! Our updated list features 176 exciting trail runs across the region. Find your next trail run in North Carolina below and join the trail community at these great events!
October 2026
Test your limits on a USATF certified asphalt loop in Lillington. This supported endurance event features a lit course at night and convenient trackside camping for a personalized running experience.
Trail races of 20K and 10K at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park on October 10, 2026, with chip timing, one water station, and awards for top finishers.
A Halloween-themed day in downtown Morganton featuring a 5K flag-capture Zombie Run and a one-mile family fun run, followed by food trucks, a photo booth, and an after party.
Test your endurance at Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest with 3, 6, or 12 hour timed challenges on a scenic three mile loop featuring trails and crushed cinder greenways.
A timed 5K trail run at Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge on October 10, 2026, with three gravel loops through fields and forests and a family friendly Fun Run.
A fall trail event at Daniel Stowe Conservancy on October 10, 2026 featuring a 1 Miler, 5K and two-loop 10K plus garden admission and post-race activities.
Trail races at Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area in Snow Camp NC with 10K and half marathon courses featuring single track, steep climbs and an optional tower ascent.
Join this cross country event in New Bern North Carolina featuring dedicated races for middle school and high school athletes. Run through a natural course at the Epiphany school grounds with 5K and youth distances available.
Timed endurance events in Whittier NC on a 1.4 mile mixed surface loop, including 24 hour, 12 hour, 6 hour, 3 hour and ruck divisions.
Trail races at Medoc Mountain State Park feature 10 mile and 5 mile loop courses on marked single track with stocked aid stations, race swag, post-race food, and awards.
Monster Dash is a trail 5K at Carolina Beach State Park on October 17, 2026. The day includes a cross country meet for teams and the event raises funds for young runners.
Deerfly Trail Race at Carvers Creek State Park features timed 11K and 6K courses plus canine-only events on October 17, 2026. The event is limited to 200 participants and includes year-six shirts, coins, and cash awards for course records.
Trail ultramarathon in Uwharrie National Forest offering 100 mile and 100K races on a 20.5 mile technical figure 8 loop.
A 100 miles ultra trail in Hickory, NC for solo runners and teams of 2 to 10 on a 4 mile loop with over 17,230 feet of elevation, mostly on trails.
Rootrock Trail Run at Briar Chapel features 5K, 10K and Half Marathon single track courses with varied technical terrain, on-course aid, chip timing, post-race food, and finisher medals.
A self-paced event on a well-marked 1-mile loop at Weymouth Woods, offering a 4-hour repeat challenge and a three-loop 5K with run and ruck options.
Fourth annual 8.5 mile trail race in DuPont State Forest with nearly 1,000 feet of climb, capped at 300 runners and supported by a free forest festival and a virtual option.
A timed 5K through Burgaw including a cemetery section and a one mile trick or treat run in Town Square supporting a splash pad project.
A timed 5K run/walk in Lincolnton along the Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail that benefits United Way of Lincoln County and links to the Apple Festival.
Annual Manteo event offering an in-person 5K route and a Sweet Treat Fun Run plus virtual options, costume awards, shirts, medals and postrace goodies.