The Hellbender Hundred starts at the scenic Camp Grier in Old Fort, NC, and winds through some of the tallest mountains on the East Coast, reaching the peak of Mt. Mitchell. Participants will experience diverse landscapes, from lofty summits at 6,684 ft to deep valleys, with significant elevation changes throughout the race. This challenging course boasts over 21,500 ft of elevation gain and descent, featuring five major climbs of at least 3,000 ft each. The route comprises 71 miles of trails, mixed with 29.7 miles of gravel and a mile of pavement, primarily encountered in the later stages when darkness falls. It’s a quintessential mountain experience set in the stunning Appalachian terrain.