Cloudland Canyon Campout
About the race
The goal is simple: get a group of trail runners together for a fun training weekend on some of the best trail running Northwest Georgia has to offer. Two back-to-back days of double-digit mileage on favorite trails.
Whether you are training for something big this year or just looking for a fun weekend to make new friends, this camp is perfect for both veteran and beginner trail runners alike.
On-site amenities
On the property:
- Electricity to charge devices
- Sink with running water for doing dishes
- Pavilion for hanging out and cooking food
- Two grills for cooking
- A firepit for s'mores
- One outdoor shower
- A portalette for relieving yourself
This is a true camping experience with a few creature comforts.
Weekend schedule
Friday
- 4pm: Check-in begins
- 6pm: Group dinner and hangout before our night run
- 8pm: 5-mile night run/hike begins
Saturday: 16-mile route in Cloudland Canyon State Park
- 8am: Group breakfast and briefing for the day
- 9am: Caravan from the property to the start of the run
- 9:30am: Group run begins
- 4pm: Optional second run from the camp property (4-10 miles)
- 6pm: Group dinner, s'mores and hangout
Sunday: 14-mile route from the camp property into Lula Lake
- 8am: Group breakfast and briefing for the day
- 9am: Run begins from the property
- 3pm: Shower and checkout, no later than 3pm
About the campground
This campout is hosted on private property by our friends Bill and Elizabeth Ritter. For privacy reasons the exact address is not shared online. Once you sign up, the address and directions will be emailed to you.
Getting there
Distances from major cities: Atlanta 2 hours, Chattanooga 30 minutes, Knoxville 2 hours, Nashville 2.5 hours, Birmingham 2 hours.
The property is 30 minutes from Chattanooga, which has plenty of hotel and Airbnb options if you are traveling.
Group runs only option
You are responsible for booking your own accommodation or commuting for one or all of the days to join us.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed.
What your entry includes
The course
Group Runs Only
Tent Camping
RV Site (Electric Hookup)
On Saturday we will explore the canyon and waterfalls of Cloudland Canyon. On Sunday the pristine trails and iconic Lula Falls of Lula Lake Land Trust will be run. Friday night has a 5-mile night run/hike and Saturday includes an optional second run from the camp property.
Waterfalls and route options
Over the weekend we will view some of Georgia's most iconic waterfalls on both runs. On Saturday: Cherokee and Hemlock Falls in Cloudland Canyon. On Sunday: Lula Falls.
Route options
On Saturday, cars are passed at mile 10, which can be used as an aid station or as the finish. On Sunday, the property is passed at mile 8, with the option to continue or finish there.
To bank more miles for the weekend, go on an extra run or extend the routes however you like.
Required gear and course maps
This is a bare bones running camp. Participants bring their own gear (tent, cooking equipment, food, bug spray, trail shoes and all other essentials) for the entire weekend.
Camping
All campers bring their own gear for the weekend: a tent or shelter, sleeping bag or blankets, cooking equipment (pots, pans, silverware) and food, plus any other supplies needed to live outside for two days.
Running
- Water carrying capacity of up to 2 liters, if needed
- Fuel and nutrition for 2 to 5 hours of running
- Trail running shoes
- Poles are optional; this is a good chance to practice using them for a race
Required: course maps
All participants must have the interactive course maps downloaded to a device, either in the Caltopo app on your phone or as the GPX file on your watch. This is for safety and to make sure nobody gets lost on the trails.
Location
Rising Fawn, GA, USA Open in Google Maps
City insight: Rising Fawn
Rising Fawn is an unincorporated community in southern Dade County, Georgia, USA, and is the location of Cloudland Canyon State Park. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to race.
Know from the athletes
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