Trail Camp for Big Kids

Burnsville, NC Trail Camp for Big Kids 26.2 Grown-up summer camp at the highest peak east of the Mississippi

Thu, Jul 22 2027

2:00 PM start

Briar Bottom Group Campground Burnsville, NC

Trail camp is for adults to get away from the busyness of life and a chance to play in the mountains for a long weekend.

About the Race

Have you ever been jealous of all the kids who get to go on camps every summer? It sucks being a big kid with responsibility, but here at the annual Trail Camp for Big Kids, we are now inviting you, the big kid! This camp will focus on a variety of things: team building, navigation, community service, friendship, and of course a bit of running!

Trail camp is for adults to get away from the busyness of life and a chance to play in the mountains for a long weekend. This camp welcomes all levels of runners and even non-runners! Camp consists of sharing campfire stories, trail stories, bad jokes, and miles throughout the forest.

This long weekend is meant to be relaxed and fun with some running mixed in. For the first time since Hurricane Helene, we are headed back to the OG trail camp home at Briar Bottom Group Campground at the base of Mount Mitchell! 

Camp is a no-pressure weekend, so you are welcome to run as much or as little as you like. We will have some planned runs and we can split into groups that will stick together. All paces and abilities are welcome and we will not let people run on their own (unless they want to and are comfortable with it). The weekend schedule will be loose but follow the structure below.

Spots will fill fast, if there is enough interest and sites are available, I will consider reseving a 3rd group site. But for now, limited to the first 50 people to signup! I will also be looking into either T-shirts or throw back mugs for a giveaway item! 

FYI: NO RV's Tents only! 

$45 if you sign up before the end of November. Then $70 until camp weekend. It'll be the best $$ you spend all year! 

Race Day Details

Dates	Thursday, July 22, 2027 - Sunday July 25, 2027 (Thursday through Sunday)
Where	Briar Bottom Group Campground
Address	50 Black Mountain Campground Rd, Burnsville, NC 28714
Arrival	Thursday after 2:00 PM, or Friday morning
Checkout	Sunday, 11:00 AM

Weekend Schedule Thursday

• Campers arrive after 2 PM or Friday morning
• Set up camp, relax, crack a beverage
• Optional easy run TBD - most likely Mountains to see trail, or just hang out and get set up

Friday

• Breakfast
• Group shakeout run at noon on TBD
• Post run river sit and hangout. Play games. ETC 
• Dinner: camper responsible for own meal

Saturday

Saturday will be our longest day on the trails. Find a group who wants to do one of the routes below and be prepared to be on the trail for a while. A hydration pack with plenty of water or a filter is recommended.

• Breakfast 7-8 AM, provided by runner
• Run start time: 8-9 AM
• Run option:
  • Death Before DNF --> LINK
  • Mt. Mitchell Up and Down --> LINK
• Lunch: on trail, runner responsible
• Dinner: camper responsible for own meal

Sunday

• Sunday is an open book. Sneak a run in the morning and then checkout if desired. 
• Checkout is 11 AM

Food & Supplies

All food will be at responsibility of the camper. We will likely have some community grab snacks but please plan your own breakfast/lunch/dinner and trail snacks. 

A list of packing supplies will be sent out prior to the event but each camper must bring at least 1 bundle of firewood. 

Parking & Carpooling

Carpooling will be VERY helpful. There is limited parking but we should be able to make it work. 

Race Policies

• Rain or shine: the camp goes on in any weather. Unless severe enough to be unsafe. 
• No refunds: all registrations are final.

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