a lake with rocks in the water and mountains in the background
Cloudland Canyon

Cloudland Canyon — 5 Miles

5 Miles·1,385 ft gain·Rising Fawn, Georgia
mountainforesttrail10kloopbeginner friendly

Photo by Ivana Sluneckova on Unsplash

Distance5 Miles
Gain1,385 ft
DateDec 5, 2026
Difficulty3/5

About This Race

The 5-mile option delivers an intense introduction to canyon trail running, cramming 7,500 feet of elevation gain into a short but demanding course that prioritizes power hiking and technical descents over sustained running. This distance challenges runners accustomed to flatter terrain while remaining accessible to those new to mountain trail events. The compact format makes it ideal for runners testing their comfort with steep grades and rocky trail conditions.

The 50-mile course combines the full 50K route with an additional lollipop extension, while the 50K itself consists of a single 14-mile loop followed by a lollipop section. The 25K follows a lollipop route that captures the essence of the longer distances, including the dramatic canyon descent and ascent. All longer courses feature rolling hill terrain with climbs ranging from 200 to 500 feet, culminating in the signature plunge to the canyon floor and back up.

The canyon descent and ascent represent the courses' defining challenge, offering both scenic payoff and significant elevation change. Runners pass multiple waterfalls and encounter expansive valley views, particularly striking at sunrise. The 5-mile option provides a gentler introduction to the terrain while still incorporating meaningful elevation gain and the area's signature beauty.

Elevation Profile

Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.

The course gains 1,385 ft over 5 miles, with the steepest section between mile 1–mile 1.

Location

Practical Info

Weather

Cool December temperatures with potential for frost and variable winter conditions in northwestern Georgia mountains.

Nearest Airport

ATL - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Accommodation

Rising Fawn is a small community; runners typically stay in nearby Chattanooga, Tennessee or Rome, Georgia for broader lodging options.

Best For

Trail runners seeking scenic challengesFirst-time ultra runnersRunners who prioritize beauty over speed

Notable Features

The signature canyon descent and ascent provide both the race's greatest challenge and its most spectacular scenery, with multiple waterfalls and sweeping valley views. December timing offers cooler temperatures and potential frost-enhanced landscapes, while the multi-distance format accommodates runners from 5 miles to 50 miles. The race organization's emphasis on safety, scenery, and photographer-friendly timing reflects a community-focused approach to trail running.

Other Distances at This Event

25K

3,297 ft gain

The 50-mile course combines the full 50K route with an additional lollipop extension, while the 50K itself consists of a single 14-mile loop followed by a lollipop section. The 25K follows a lollipop route that captures the essence of the longer distances, including the dramatic canyon descent and ascent. All longer courses feature rolling hill terrain with climbs ranging from 200 to 500 feet, culminating in the signature plunge to the canyon floor and back up. The canyon descent and ascent represent the courses' defining challenge, offering both scenic payoff and significant elevation change. Runners pass multiple waterfalls and encounter expansive valley views, particularly striking at sunrise. The 5-mile option provides a gentler introduction to the terrain while still incorporating meaningful elevation gain and the area's signature beauty.

50K

663 ft gain

The 50-mile course combines the full 50K route with an additional lollipop extension, while the 50K itself consists of a single 14-mile loop followed by a lollipop section. The 25K follows a lollipop route that captures the essence of the longer distances, including the dramatic canyon descent and ascent. All longer courses feature rolling hill terrain with climbs ranging from 200 to 500 feet, culminating in the signature plunge to the canyon floor and back up. The canyon descent and ascent represent the courses' defining challenge, offering both scenic payoff and significant elevation change. Runners pass multiple waterfalls and encounter expansive valley views, particularly striking at sunrise. The 5-mile option provides a gentler introduction to the terrain while still incorporating meaningful elevation gain and the area's signature beauty.

50 Miles

7,500 ft gain

The 50-mile course combines the full 50K route with an additional lollipop extension, while the 50K itself consists of a single 14-mile loop followed by a lollipop section. The 25K follows a lollipop route that captures the essence of the longer distances, including the dramatic canyon descent and ascent. All longer courses feature rolling hill terrain with climbs ranging from 200 to 500 feet, culminating in the signature plunge to the canyon floor and back up. The canyon descent and ascent represent the courses' defining challenge, offering both scenic payoff and significant elevation change. Runners pass multiple waterfalls and encounter expansive valley views, particularly striking at sunrise. The 5-mile option provides a gentler introduction to the terrain while still incorporating meaningful elevation gain and the area's signature beauty.