Course Routes & Maps
Get ready to experience the beautiful trails of the Tsali Recreation Area in the Nantahala National Forest near Bryson City, North Carolina!
Whether you’re taking on the 8K, 30K, or 50K, each course offers a unique trail-running experience with scenic views, rolling terrain, and challenging climbs.
Below, you’ll find course information, total elevation gain, and links to detailed maps for each distance.
We strongly encourage all participants to review their course before race day and familiarize themselves with the route, elevation profile, and terrain.
8K Course
Distance: 8K (approximately 5 miles)
Total Elevation Gain: 399 feet
Start Time: 9:00 AM EST
The 8K is a great opportunity to experience the beautiful Tsali trails over a shorter distance. Expect a mix of climbs, descents, and scenic wooded trails.
Course Maps:
30K Course
Distance: 30K (approximately 18.6 miles)
Total Elevation Gain: 1,607 feet
Start Time: 8:30 AM EST
The 30K offers a rewarding trail-running challenge with a combination of rolling terrain, sustained climbs, and scenic views throughout the Tsali trail system.
Course Maps:
50K Course
Distance: 50K (approximately 31.1 miles)
Total Elevation Gain: 3,135 feet
Start Time: 8:00 AM EST
Our longest distance takes runners on a challenging journey through the Tsali trail system. With over 3,100 feet of elevation gain, runners should prepare for sustained climbs, descents, and changing trail conditions.
Course Maps:
Important Course Information
Review Your Course: Please take time to study your route before race day. Understanding the course layout and elevation changes will help you prepare for your distance.
Download Your Maps: We recommend downloading your course map or saving the route to your GPS watch or phone before arriving. Cellular service may be limited in portions of the Tsali Recreation Area.
Follow Course Markings: All participants must follow the official race-day course markings and instructions from race officials and volunteers. Course markings take precedence over GPS files.
Trail Conditions: Be prepared for natural trail surfaces, rocks, roots, climbs, descents, and potentially wet or muddy conditions depending on the weather.
Elevation Gain: Elevation totals are based on mapped course routes. Actual readings may vary depending on GPS devices and mapping software.
Course Changes: Race management reserves the right to modify any course if necessary due to weather, trail conditions, safety concerns, or requirements from the U.S. Forest Service.
We look forward to seeing you on the trails at the 2027 Tsali Ultra!
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