Pilot Mountain Goat

Pilot Mountain Goat - Pilot Mountain State Park, Pinnacle NC

The Pilot Mountain Goat is a trail race held on December 19, 2026 in Pinnacle, NC, organized by Mountain Goat Racing. The event uses trails at Pilot Mountain State Park with the start area at the campground and the finish at the top of the mountain.

Distances offered:

• 7 Mile
• 3 Mile

Both courses begin at the park campground and finish at the upper parking area near the knob. The 3 mile course follows a wide gravel trail, joins Grindstone Trail, climbs to the upper parking lot, runs the Pilot Knob Trail around the knob, and returns to the top. The 7 mile course extends farther by using Mountain Trail around the back of the mountain before reconnecting to Grindstone Trail and following Pilot Knob Trail to the same finish.

The event has a total capacity limit of 150 runners. The first 49 cars park at the campground; additional cars will use overflow parking. Participants should plan for a 2.25 mile descent back to parking after the finish or arrange a ride, as park staff will not provide return rides.

Packet pick-up is available at the Pilot Mountain Visitor Center on December 18 and on race day at the starting area. Registration closes December 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Entry fees are listed between USD 40.50 and 45.50. Registrations are nonrefundable; transfers or distance changes are allowed through December 16, 2026. Registered participants receive a long sleeve technical shirt. Awards and a post-race breakfast are provided. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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