Pilot Mountain Salamander Scamper
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Event overview
The Pilot Mountain Salamander Scamper is scheduled for February 21, 2026 in Pinnacle, North Carolina, with the start/finish at 301 Boyd Nelson Rd. The event distance is 25K. Registration closes February 19, and the race has a capacity limit of 125 runners. The event will proceed rain or shine unless Pilot Mountain State Park is closed for weather. The registration fee includes a long sleeve technical shirt, three fully stocked aid stations, a hot post-race meal, and a finisher medallion. A cut-off time of 2:30 pm applies.
Course and logistics
The course starts at the Pilot Creek Trailhead and follows Pilot Creek Trail to the campground, then Grindstone Trail, Ledge Springs Trail up to the mountain top, and Jomeokee Trail around the pinnacle. Runners return via the upper parking area to Grindstone Trail, descend to Mountain Trail on the backside, rejoin Grindstone Trail, and follow Pilot Creek Trail back to the start/finish. Full aid stations are located at approximately 3 miles, 7 miles, and 13 miles and offer water, Gatorade, Coke, gels, and fruit. Dry camping is available at Jomeokee Campground, about a 6-minute drive from the start. Packet pick-up is scheduled for the day before the race outside the Pilot Mountain State Park Visitor Center at 1792 Pilot Knob Park Rd, and on race day at the start location. Refunds are not available; transfers to another runner are allowed through February 19, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.