Headwaters Half Marathon

Race - Dec 7, 2019

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Two years ago, in my mind, I created this event. I wanted to share with others how beautiful Panthertown Valley truly is. So, we created a half marathon so that runners can experience some of what Panthertown has to offer.

While running the 13 miles, you'll summit two mountains. You'll witness amazing views and run some of the best singletrack in western North Carolina.

We will have one fully stocked aid station at the Cold Springs parking area. We recommend that you bring something to carry water in. We will have a fully stocked aid station at the finish for you to replenish food and fluids.

We have commissioned a local artist to make the top 3 female and male finisher awards. Every runner will receive a t-shirt and a commemorative finishers pint glass.

Parking can get a bit tight at Salt Rock parking area so we are encouraging carpooling. We have a special prize for runners who carpool so get your friends to register and load up the car.

Be aware of black bears and rattlesnakes.

Stay alert to bears and rattlesnakes. Most of the time the bears run away, but there have been encounters where the bear does not yield the trail.

Park at the Salt Rock parking area in Panthertown Valley. You'll start at the gate and head toward the Blackrock Trail #447. At about 1 mile, you'll take the Overlook Trail (right) to Black Rock. From there, you'll continue on the Blackrock Overlook Trail #491 to Powerline Road Trail #451 going right toward Panthertown Valley Trail #474.

Once you are at this junction, you'll head to the Green Valley Trail (left past the sand beach). Head up this trail toward Little Green Trail #485. Take the Little Green Overlook toward School House Falls. Continue on School House Falls back to Panthertown Valley Trail #474 going right toward Cold Mountain parking area.

Once in the parking lot, take Mac's Gap Trail #482 toward Big Green. Continue on Big Green to the overlook. This is the only out-and-back on the course. Take the Great Wall Trail toward Deep Gap Trail. Go right on Deep Gap to Panthertown Valley Trail #474. Once on Panthertown Valley Trail #474, take a left to make the climb out toward the finish. Pass the gate and bam! you are finished. Congrats!

This place is as unique as crazy.