The Naturalist

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 — 𝟐𝟓𝐊 & 𝟓𝟎𝐊 is part of Outdoor 76’s Fall Celebration. This exhilarating trail run promises unforgettable challenges and festival-style rewards. The historic Bartram Trail traces the same footsteps that William Bartram explored in the late 1700s. Beginning in downtown Franklin, the course leads runners to Wallace Branch, launching them into a relentless ascent toward Wayah Bald. 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 - 25K: roughly 5,500 feet of elevation gain — conquer the climb and finish atop Wayah Bald. - 50K: exceed 8,500 feet of gain — circle Wayah Bald, refill, and tackle the descent back along the trail. 𝐀𝐢𝐝 & 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 Hydration and nutrition are available at multiple stations stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, fruit, energy bars and other snacks. Runners tackling the Wayah Bald ascent are strongly advised to carry at least 1 liter of water. - Mile 3.5 (Wallace Branch) limited aid - Mile 9 (Harrison Gap) - Mile 14.5 (Wayah Bald summit) - Mile 19.5 (Harrison Gap return, 50k only) - Mile 25 (Wallace Branch return, 50k only) 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 & 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐬 - Field Limit: capped at 150 entrants (both distances combined). - Parking: limited availability at Wayah Bald. - Shuttle: 25K runners can catch a free ride back to the start on race day.