Trail Camp for Big Kids

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. Camp is a no-pressure weekend so you are welcome to run as much or as little as you like. 

Welcome to Trail Camp for Big Kids! This long weekend is meant to be relaxed and fun with some running mixed in! We are headed back to Rattler Ford Group Campground in the Nantahala National Forest!  

You are welcome to run as much or as little as you want! It is completely up to you. 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. 

If you have any dietary restrictions, please plan to bring adequate food for yourself. We will try to offer vegetarian/vegan options but when planning for the masses, this can be difficult! 

NOTE: Carpooling will be VERY helpful. There is limited parking but we can park cars approx 10-12 miles away at the Nantahala headquarters. Please plan to carpool with at least 1 other person! 2 if possible! 

When: July 24th - July 27th 2025

Where: Rattler Ford Group Campground - 35° 21' 38.1701" N 83° 54' 56.2500" W

Thursday

• Campers arrive after 2pm or Friday morning

• Set Up Camp, Relax, Crack a Beverage

• Rattler Ford Camp Ground - Optional Easy Run or just hangout and get setup 

Friday: 

• Breakfast Provided

• Group Shakeout Run - Noon

• Route - Joyce Kilmer Lower Loop Trail (leave from camp) Posted HERE

• As a group, we will run from camp to the trail head, around the trail and back. This will be an easy day with very little vert and distance. Other options are available for more mileage 

• Dinner plan: 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. Hydration pack with plenty of water or a filter is recommended.

• Breakfast 7-8 am

• Pancakes, Bacon, eggs? - Provided by Camp RDs

• Lunch - on trail, Runner responsible

• Dinner - Provided by camp FOOD SIGNUP TBD

• The run options are below. 

• Run Start time: 8-9am

• Options:

  • Stratton Bald Loop Trail Posted HERE

  • Haoe Lead Trail Posted HERE

  • Wauchecha Bald Trail Posted HERE

  • Cheoah Bald via Appalachian Trail Posted HERE (requires a 30 min drive to trail head)

  • Bigger Loop - TBD, stay tuned, reconnaissance will be happening soon. 
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• NOTE: The trails may be overgrown, buggy, wet, you know, the typical trail things. So please come prepared with bug spray and anti-itch. From all trails, a lot of these trails don't have a ton of markings and can be difficult to navigate with overgrowth so please have an adventure buddy for all runs unless you are a seasoned trail running. But still let someone know where you are going if you go alone. 

Sunday: 

Option 1: 

• Sunday is an open book. Sunrise possible at Maple Springs Overlook

• Checkout is 11am