Grand-Further Mountain Run

Race - Aug 22, 2020

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is the ultimate mountain race in the Southeast on one of the most iconic mountains in all of Appalachia, Grandfather Mountain. Gnarly trail, 4000+ feet of climbing, fixed ladders and ropes, and the tallest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains at 5,984 feet tall!

Ropes and ladders will be necessary along this route. Extremely technical terrain requiring use of minor scrambling skills. This race is not for beginners! Prior trail race experience required before signing up. You must carry mandatory gear of water bottle, rain shell, and an emergency blanket at all time during the race. Weather conditions can change extremely fast on this mountain.

Start your watch at the kiosk at the Profile Trail. Run Profile Trail as it transitions through mixed hardwood forest to boreal forest as it climbs the mighty mountain. Water can be located approximately 3 miles in at Shanty Spring.

Soon, intersect the Grandfather Trail and turn left to the summit of Calloway Peak, the highest point on Grandfather Mountain. At the summit, enjoy the view then take the Daniel Boone Scout Trail all the way down the other side of the mountain. Fixed ladders and cables run along this trail near the summit and will help guide you safely down the mountain.

Once you intersect with the Tanawha Trail, turn left and follow to the intersection of Nuwati Trail. Turn left onto Nuwati Trail. Soon after turning onto Nuwati Trail, you'll run over a wood covered trough, here is you next clean water source that can be filtered. Continue uphill and Nuwati Trail until reaching Cragway Trail on your left. Turn left onto Cragway Trail and follow it steeply up past multiple views until reaching the intersection of Daniel Boone Scout Trail. Turn right on Daniel Boone Scout Trail and follow it all the way back up the summit of Calloway Peak. After reaching the summit, head down on Grandfather Trail down to Profile Trail. Turn right onto Profile Trail and follow all the way back down the mountain to the finish line at the Profile Trail. The same water source at Shanty Spring on the way up can used again on the way back down.