Trail Camp for Big Kids

Trail Camp for Big Kids

Description

• Jealousy: 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!
• Activities: This camp will focus on team building, navigation, community service, friendship, and of course a bit of running!
• Relaxation: 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.
• Atmosphere: Camp consists of sharing campfire stories, trail stories, bad jokes, and miles throughout the forest. Camp is a no-pressure weekend.

Welcome

• Invitation: Welcome to Trail Camp for Big Kids! This long weekend is meant to be relaxed and fun with some running mixed in!
• Location: We are headed back to Rattler Ford Group Campground in the Nantahala National Forest!
• Running Options: You are welcome to run as much or as little as you want! It is completely up to you.
• Group Support: We will have some planned runs and we can split into groups that will stick together!

Dietary Needs

• Food Planning: If you have any dietary restrictions, please plan to bring adequate food for yourself.
• Options: We will try to offer vegetarian/vegan options but when planning for the masses, this can be difficult!
• Consideration: Please consider your food needs accordingly.
• Support: Be prepared to support yourself in meal planning!

Logistics

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 23th - July 26th, 2026

Where

Rattler Ford Group Campground

Rattler Ford Campground, Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest, Robbinsville, NC 28771

Schedule

Thursday

• Arrival: Campers arrive after 2pm or Friday morning.
• Set Up: Set up camp, relax, crack a beverage.
• Optional Run: Rattler Ford Camp Ground - Optional Easy Run or just hangout and get setup.

Friday

• Breakfast: Breakfast Provided.
• Group Run: Group Shakeout Run - Noon.
• Route: Joyce Kilmer Lower Loop Trail (leave from camp) Posted HERE.
• Distance: 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.
• Meal Responsibility: Dinner plan: Camper responsible for own meal.

Saturday

• Longest Day: 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: Hydration pack with plenty of water or a filter is recommended.
• Breakfast: Breakfast 7-8 am provided by runner.
• Lunch: Lunch - on trail, runner responsible.
• Dinner: Dinner - Camper responsible for own meal.
• Run Options: The run options are below. Run Start time: 8-9am.
• AT to NOC Run: Route.
• Support: We will need someone to drive to the start and drop runners off, and pick up at the NOC when complete.

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 runner. But still let someone know where you are going if you go alone.

Sunday

• Open Book: Sunday is an open book. Sunrise possible at Maple Springs Overlook.
• Checkout: Checkout is at 11am.

More Information

For more details, visit the official race page: Trail Camp for Big Kids.