Blue Ridge Relay

Map Links are current for 2026!

Bear Safety

The Black Bear may be seen / encountered in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.  Although infrequent sightings occur, it's not uncommon for 1-2 sightings during the Blue Ridge Relay, ranging from the Start in Grayson Highlands State Park, VA to the Finish in Asheville, NC.  According to the National Park Service, most bears will avoid humans if they hear them coming.  With the increased van and runner traffic on the roads, and volume of BRR runners on the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST), bear sightings may remain infrequent.  However, it's best to be prepared.  Please review Staying Safe Around Bears provided by the National Park Service.

GPS Alert

Please use our maps and written directions - do not rely on GPS.  GPS is frequently incorrect in our mountains.  It is very useful to print the individual leg directions/cue sheets and laminate them for the runner of each leg.

Leg-by-Leg Description (2026)

To view a printable leg-by-leg description, including map, elevation, and cue sheet, please click the links below:

LEGS 1-36

EXCHANGE ZONE MAPS

Cue Sheet (2026)

To view a printable turn-by-turn cue sheet for the full course (4 pages), please CLICK HERE. (pdf)

Map Links (2026)

When viewing the interactive maps (the full course and individual legs from the table below), you can highlight a section of the course to view a more detailed elevation chart of that section.  To view a more detailed section:

1. Move your cursor along the x-axis (mileage) of the elevation graph.  Mileage, elevation, and % grade will be displayed.

2. Click and hold a beginning point on the elevation graph.  Drag your cursor and highlight the segment/distance that you wish to view in greater detail.  When you release your mouse, the highlighted segment will be displayed.

3. To return to the full graph, single click "De-Select".

When viewing the interactive maps, use the dropdown menu in the upper right corner of the map to change the view. 

1. Google Hybrid is great to see the details of the road and you can utilize "street view".  Drag Pegman onto the map to utilize "street view."

2. OSM is great to see the trails.

Full Course (2026)

To view an interactive map of the full course CLICK HERE.  This map is for a full course overview only and should not be used by the runners to navigate the course.  For leg details, please reference the other information on this Map Page.

Leg Maps (2026)

To view an interactive map of a specific leg, click on the leg below and you will be taken to ridewithgps.com.  These interactive maps are fantastic for runners to look at landmarks, road intersections, elevation changes, etc...  DO NOT use the cue sheets that are associated with these maps.  USE the "printable turn-by-turn cue sheet" that is available at the top of this page.

Leg 35 Notes: 

• Final 1.7 miles is on Mountain to Sea Trail (MST).  Follow White Blaze.

• Lots of downed timber from Hurricane Helene, very little shade.

• With less tree canopy, there's a good bit of brush/wildflowers/grasses growing on the trail sides, which tightens up the trail and reduces trail visibility.

• Technical single track, rocks/roots, wet rock will be slippery, keep your eyes on the trail and not on the big views.

• On a trial run, I was 90 - 100 seconds slower per mile than my normal run pace.

• The temptation will be to look up when you hear the cheering at EZ35...keep your eyes on the trail.

• Runners must be courteous to other users of MST.

Leg 36 Notes: 

• Initial 6.6 miles is on MST.  Follow White Blaze.

• Single track with an abundance of downed timber from Hurricane Helene.

• With less tree canopy, sections of MST have a good bit of brush/wildflowers/grasses growing on the trail sides, which tightens up the trail and reduces trail visibility.  Other sections are more open and visibility is great.

• Approx. 60% is packed dirt and runnable with minimal rocky/rooty.  Approx. 40% is more technical rocky/rooty/stairs, etc...

• MST parallels Blue Ridge Parkway all the way...DO NOT take the side spurs...follow the main trail that parallels the Parkway. 

• Bear Alert: When I ran the this trail 4 weeks before BRR, had a black bear on the trail about 50 ft in front of me for 100 yards before it disappeared.  Black bear may be seen anywhere on the 200-mile course, but there is more isolation on MST...be bear prepared.

• MST crosses Blue Ridge Parkway motor road 3x.  Runners must yield to traffic and must comply with race officials.

• Runners must be courteous to other users of MST.

Leg Summary Chart: (2026)

To view a pdf of the Leg Summary Chart CLICK HERE. (pdf)