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Quest For The Crest 10K

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
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 5.0 (4)
  1. Areas
  2. NC
  3. …West and Mountains
  4. Pisgah National Forest
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“An annual trail running event in the Black Mountains of NC on the highest mountain range east of the Mississippi River. ”

Victor Mariano
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Map Key

6.9

Miles

11.2

KM

62%

Runnable

6,147' 1,874 m

High

3,158' 962 m

Low

3,025' 922 m

Up

3,025' 922 m

Down

17%

Avg Grade (9°)

62%

Max Grade (32°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Spring · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

The race begins with a grueling 3,000 foot climb with grades of over 25 percent in spots. There are beautiful views and wind swept trees at the crest.

Runner Notes

Be prepared for a tough climb and a fast run down the other side. Several rock outcrops provide long distance views to the east.

Description

Run two races in one. The Straight Up Kilometer to the top of the climb, and the 10k which is from the start to the top of Woody Ridge/Crest Trail and down the other side to the finish. Runners take on a 2.8-mile climb that goes from 2,900 feet in elevation to 6,200 ft! There will be scrambling on all fours in a couple of extremely steep sections.

Flora & Fauna

The trail is flanked by rhododendron and mountain laurel and then transitions to alpine evergreens, ferns, and grassy slopes.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Pisgah National Forest, Pisgah Ranger District

Shared By:

Victor Mariano
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 4 votes

#4

in Pisgah National Forest

#1096

Overall
  5.0 from 4 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Pisgah National Forest

#35

in North Carolina

#1,096

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Photos

Morning glory on the Black Mountain Crest Trail.
Jan 17, 2016 near Burnsville, NC
Running along the crest of the Black Mountains of NC.
Jan 17, 2016 near Burnsville, NC
Sun rising over the cloud encased South Toe River Valley as the wind begins to whip up the just moments before still clouds as seen from Sunrise Point along the Woody Ridge Trail
Oct 17, 2017 near Burnsville, NC
Autumn leaves blowing in the foreground along Woody Ridge Trail after a pre-dawn hike up to catch the sunrise. The cloud encased South Toe River Valley where the trail begins is below in the forefront. 10/15/17
Oct 17, 2017 near Burnsville, NC
Sunrise on the Black Mountain Crest Trail.
Jan 17, 2016 near Burnsville, NC
A quick water break on the Black Mountain Crest Trail.
Jan 17, 2016 near Burnsville, NC

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 18, 2019
Daniel Holmes
Feb 8, 2019
Doug Meyer
14mi
May 21, 2017
John Linn
6.8mi — 1h 39m

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