The Cove 2026

The Cove 2026 is a trail running event scheduled for March 14, 2026, in Chickamauga, United States, taking place in the scenic McLemore Cove, Georgia, near the Rising Fawn and Chickamauga area. The event is held at Mountain Cove Farms, located in a 15-mile long valley situated between Lookout Mountain to the west and Pigeon Mountain to the east. The course is set within a geological transition zone between the Cumberland Plateau and the Ridge and Valley province of the Appalachian Mountains, offering runners a unique mix of single-track trails, forest roads, dirt roads, and blazed trail systems through mountainous terrain. The weather in Chickamauga on the event date is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 55°F and partly cloudy conditions, making for ideal trail running conditions.

What distances are available for this event?

• →50K Trail Run
• →30K Trail Run
• →10K Trail Run

What is the start time for each race distance?

• →50K Trail Run: 7:00 AM
• →30K Trail Run: 8:00 AM
• →10K Trail Run: 9:00 AM

What is the time limit for the 50K Trail Run?

• →The 50K Trail Run has a time limit of 10 hours.

What is the course layout for the 50K Trail Run?

• →The 50K Trail Run follows a figure-8 loop route, starting at Mountain Cove Farms, traversing through dirt roads, blue-blazed Cove Loop Trail, green-blazed Connector Trail, white-blazed Bluff Trail, orange-blazed Atwood Trail, red-blazed Rocktown Trail, and other trails, with several aid stations along the way.

What is the course layout for the 30K Trail Run?

• →The 30K Trail Run follows a lollipop/lasso loop route, sharing the initial route with the 50K Trail Run before turning back at a specific point and returning to the start.

What is the course layout for the 10K Trail Run?

• →The 10K Trail Run is an out-and-back route with rolling terrain, beginning at Mountain Cove Farms, crossing a rugged bridge, and transitioning through fields and wooded trails before finishing with a downhill stretch.

What are the elevation gains for each race distance?

• →50K Trail Run: Approximately 4,000 to 5,000 feet of elevation gain
• →30K Trail Run: Approximately 2,000 to 2,500 feet of elevation gain
• →10K Trail Run: Approximately 700 to 800 feet of elevation gain

What notable landmarks and scenic highlights can participants expect on the course?

• →Pigeon Mountain landmarks: Rocktown, Ellison's Cave area, and the ghost town of Estelle
• →Scenic highlights: Pocket Falls, High Point Overlook, Mountain Cove Farms fields, Whiskey Hollow, and the Disc Golf Course

What trail markers are used on the course?

• →The course features multiple blazed trails, including blue, green, white, orange, and red trails, with volunteers at junctions to guide runners.

What is required for participation in the event?

• →All runners must purchase a Combo Hunting/Fishing (Short Term) License for race day, which costs $5.

Where can participants purchase the required license?

• →Participants can purchase the license at Visit Website ↗.

Is there a discount available for GUTS members?

• →Yes, GUTS members can receive a $5 discount using the 2026 discount code, which is emailed to members.

How can someone join GUTS?

• →Individuals can join GUTS at Visit Website ↗.

What is included in the registration?

• →Registration includes access to the course, aid stations, and a race shirt (guaranteed if registered by February 28th).

What are the key course features for the 50K Trail Run?

• →The 50K Trail Run includes a variety of trail types, multiple aid stations, and an option to run through old railroad tunnels on the Estelle Mines Trail.

What is the route description for the 50K Trail Run?

• →The route starts at Mountain Cove Farms, traverses through Dove Field, follows the Cove Loop Trail, climbs the Connector Trail, and continues on the Bluff Trail, Atwood Trail, and other trails, with several aid stations, before returning to the finish line.

What is the route description for the 30K Trail Run?

• →The 30K Trail Run shares the initial route with the 50K, including the Connector Trail and Bluff Trail, before returning back to the start through the same path.

What is the route description for the 10K Trail Run?

• →The 10K Trail Run starts at Mountain Cove Farms, crosses a rugged bridge, enters rolling fields, transitions into wooded trails, and finishes with a downhill stretch through the Disc Golf Course.

What is the proximity of the event to major cities?

• →The event is approximately 45 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, TN, and Fort Payne, AL, and about 1 hour from Dalton, GA.