A point-to-point crossing of the “unmolested” Pinhoti Trail through the Talladega National Forest, over Cheaha Mountain — the highest point in Alabama — and a long-running proving ground where not every 100-mile hopeful makes it to the finish. Not a first-timer course, but very doable for the properly trained runner.
Quick facts
- Location: Pine Glen Campground, Choccolocco Management Area, near Heflin, AL (start) to Lake Howard, Sylacauga, AL (finish)
- Date: November 7–8, 2026
- Distance: 100.38 miles point-to-point — 83 miles singletrack, 17 miles jeep road, 2 miles pavement
- Website: pinhotitrailseries.com/pinhoti-100
- Contact: Via contact form at pinhotitrailseries.com — organized by Pinhoti Trail Series
- Registration: Via UltraSignup.
Course description
A point-to-point run on the Pinhoti single-track trail from Pine Glen Campground near Heflin to Lake Howard on the Sylaward Trail in Sylacauga, crossing over Cheaha Mountain (2,408 ft), the highest point in Alabama, while traversing the Talladega National Forest. The route navigates over rocks, through creeks, and across beautiful ridgelines, with 83 miles of trail widely regarded as among the most scenic singletrack in the Southeast. It’s described by the organizers as “not a first-timer course,” but achievable for a properly trained runner — a meaningful step up in difficulty from nearby Georgia races like Bootlegger.
Elevation change
Just over 14,000 feet of climb and descent each, for roughly 28,000 feet of total elevation change — significant enough to demand real climbing legs, even though no single ascent rivals the true mountain West.
Aid stations
Aid station mileage and cutoffs are published in the race’s Runner’s Handbook ahead of each running, along with course maps and GPX files. As a point-to-point course through remote national forest, planning drop bags and crew logistics around the published aid station list is essential.
Special conditions & average temps
Early November in the Alabama foothills typically brings cool, crisp conditions well-suited to a long day and night on the trail, with fall color along the ridgelines. As with any Appalachian foothill race, weather can turn colder and wetter overnight, and the rocky, root-strewn singletrack demands careful footing after dark.
Recent results — top 3, men & women
2025
- Men: 1. Jake Russell 19:40:56 (100-mile debut) · 2. Peter Kazery 19:51:17 · 3. Nate Truckenbrod 20:01:08
- Women: 1. Caila Coyne 21:43:17 · 2. Nelle Fox 21:44:06 · 3. Shannon Sumerford 24:30:46
2024
- Men: 1. Drew Antonisse 17:01:04 · 2. Michael Basuini 17:59:45 · 3. Andrew Higgins 19:30:24
- Women: 1. Julija Soryte 21:15:11 · 2. Kat Schuller 22:36:59 · 3. Aden St Charles 23:35:30
2023
- Men: 1. Andrew Higgins 18:52:06 · 2. Christopher Mixon 20:43:18 · 3. David Sullivan 20:47:48
- Women: 1. Madalyn Nones 22:15:13 · 2. Porter Burgess 22:32:44 · 3. Shannon Sumerford 24:11:45
Registration deadline & how to get in
Registration is handled through UltraSignup; check the race website for the current field cap and opening date. No qualifying race is required to enter, though the organizers are explicit that Pinhoti is not designed as a first ultra — proper training is expected on a course that has turned away a meaningful share of 100-mile hopefuls over its nearly two-decade history.
Traveling to this race? Find lodging near the venue via Hotels.com.