With challenging terrains and epic views, McDowell County is quickly becoming known as a home to some of the best running and cycling events on the East Coast. As home to one of the highest mountains east of the Mississippi (Mount Mitchell), the sky-high elevation offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy unique races that test the endurance, both physically and mentally in the North Carolina mountains.
You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to take part in some of the area’s races. Even couch potatoes and beginner runners can find at least one or two events to enjoy during the year.
After Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, many communities in the Blue Ridge Mountains were severely impacted by the destruction left by the storm. This year many races in McDowell are taking up an additional torch; supporting and rebuilding the communities that host these spectacular sporting events year after year.
Whether you are an experienced marathoner, just entering the world of competitive racing, or passionate about creating a sustainable future for Helene-impacted trail towns, these sporting events showcase the region’s stunning scenery while encouraging conservation, recovery, and sustainable futures of celebrated outdoor spaces.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Cycling Event With a course for almost everyone, the popular Rock ‘n’ Roller Cycling Event is returning to Old Fort on April 27 for the third year. This fundraiser benefits the McDowell Trails Association to continue to develop, build and support more greenways, “blueways” (water ways) and trails in the region.
Four different courses are available, from beginner to advanced. The “Off the Couch” fun ride, led by an experienced cyclist, is a great beginner course of 10 miles with 570 feet of climbing.
A Soft Rock course is 20 to 25 miles, and the most challenging is the Hard Rock, a 65-mile course with 5,000 feet of climbing and an additional 10-mile option to Andrews Geyser, a man-made fountain geyser named after one of the men responsible for constructing the area’s railroad.
A post-interscholastic season event in true Pisgah Productions style: 100% fun focused, with a laid back atmosphere, professional RFID timing, and a race course that has some bite.
Centered at the Gateway Trails in Old Fort, NC there is plenty of parking, room for team pits, and miles of beginner to intermediate trails. 6th and 7th grade level athletes will be treated to a 4.3 mile, 446′ single track course with plenty of room to pass and just a few technical sections.
8th grade, 9th grade and Junior Varsity level athletes will experience a 6 mile, 689′ single track course that includes stretches of narrow corridor, more technical sections, and a long flow-trail style descent along the way. Varsity level athletes will be challenged to tough-out TWO laps of the 6 mile course.
Hellbender One Hundred This ultra-race for distance running is a scenic hundred-miler that goes through the Black Mountains and reaches the summit of Mount Mitchell, boasting an impressive elevation change of around 48,000 feet along the mountain tops and forest valleys. There are five ascents and descents of 3,000 feet or more along the trails.
The competition is held May 9th and starts at Camp Grier in Old Fort.
Ridge to Rails Half & 10K A beginner-friendly running event in McDowell County is the Ridge to Rails Half & 10K. The shorter courses are perfect for those interested in running or just getting started in competitive racing.
Held in June to coincide with the Old Fort Trails and Trains Festival, the courses are a great way to enjoy the recreational areas and learn more about the local train history.
The half marathon is a net downhill point-to-point race from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains to Old Fort. The course combines well-loved trails and more recent additions, including the infamous Kitsuma Trail, Copper Ridge Trail with its long range views and the brand new Old Fort Gateway Trails. Registration available on Ultra Signup.
High-speed East Coast technical rocky rooty singletrack ENDURO racing in Pisgah National Forest, around Old Fort, NC with dizzying vertical descents to quad-crushing climbs, you will ride a roller coaster that puts this region on the map for the downhill minded. The venue (Camp Grier) is an actual Summer Camp. There’s a lake, pump track, post-race cookout, and more. Choose bunkhouse or car/tent camping and spend the weekend racing.
The course starts in the shadow of the highest peak East of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell, on the legendary Heartbreak Ridge trail. Stage one and two drop over 3000′ elevation in a combined 4.5 miles. Stage three follows with the most amazing trail that parallels Interstate 40. Kitsuma, and descends another 1300′ in 2.5 miles to the finish. Start/Finish and lodging at Camp Grier in Old Fort, NC (where the after-race party will be waiting for you).
The Pisgah Enduro will be a SUNDAY (one-day only) event. If you would like a full-weekend of racing and camping at Camp Grier join us for the Old Fort Fifty being held on Saturday.
FloatLife Fest is one of the United States’ largest gathering of Onewheel enthusiasts. Taking place in Old Fort, North Carolina, this weekend event lifts up all things Onewheel. Showcases the best in the world of Onewheel from freestyle, competition, racing, distance, and more. Competitions, workshops, courses, demonstrations and a film festival round out this event that spans from September 11th-14th of 2025. Be sure to check their website for important updates and Schedule of Events.
When gearing up for an early morning start with the races, you definitely don’t want to stay too far away from the action. After exploring the scenery on the trails, we are sure you will want to stay and explore the area in a more leisurely fashion afterwards.
There are a variety of lodging accommodations in McDowell County, from rustic cabins and camping to B&B inns and luxury rentals.
Many of the sporting events in McDowell County start at or go through Camp Grier, a 655-acre summer camp for kids, adults and families that is surrounded by National Forest.
When not in use as a summer camp, Camp Grier is the perfect base camp for adventure seekers.
Accommodations include cabins, bunk lodges with shared rooms, as well as tent camping, small RV/van camping and primitive camping for equestrians traveling with their horse.
An equestrian center, with fall and winter horse rides, is open to guests when camp is not in session. The facility also has a farm, beehives and livestock that supply local foods, as well as a greenhouse that provides produce for area restaurants.
These elevated, single story short term rentals are located in the heart of downtown Old Fort. Featuring ride in / ride out access to Pisgah National Forest and bike friendly setup beneath the accommodations. Set along Mill Creek, these homes can comfortably sleep 12+ during group events.
The Mountain Appalachian Inn is a Victorian home, c. 1880, located in picturesque, downtown Old Fort, NC. Private rooms/bath within walking distance of Mountain Gateway Museum, Mill Creek, Hillman Beer, and the Arrowhead Gallery and Studios in Old Fort. Minutes away from most Camp Grier events and only half an hour from Black Mountain and Asheville.
Want more adventures? Check out the rest of our website for maps, guides, itineraries, trip inspiration, lodging recommendations, and more.
