Blood Rock 100 & 50 Mile Detailed Course Description
The 50 and 100 mile Start: The start will be at the Cabins on Tranquility Lake on the Cabins Road. Head up the hill to Findley Drive and turn left for about 300 yards to the start of the Light Trail. Runners will follow the Light Trial to the Campground then following the road angling left to the cull de sac. Continue straight ahead on the trail for about 50 yards the follow the obscure trail to the left and around the fishing lake on the southwest side. You will cross the dam and continue along the lake on the gravel road, past the Fishing Center Pavilion and over the dam between the two fishing lakes. Just past the dam you will come to a parking lot on your left and a Water Only Aid Station at about mile 3.2. leave the road and take the wide trail to your left.
Stay on the trail paralleling Findley Drive for about a mile to where it crosses the "Far End Back Trail." This trail is one of the old backcountry trails that are no longer maintained but it is well used. Turn left and follow the trail along a creek for about 1/2 mile to where the trails turns right and heads uphill. This is the start of the first significant climb up to the top of one of Double Oak Mountains ridges. Once you reach the top on some very steep, very rocky terrain, the trail follows the ridge for a short distance then turns left downhill, then over another rugged and very rock ridge. Stay on the trail down to an old road and go left for a short distance before climbing up a shot hill to the "Kings Chair" Trail.
You are now on the old abandoned "Rim Walk East Trail." Runners will continue along the far southeast ridge of Double Oak Mountain for a couple of miles along some short but climbs and descents. This is where things start to get interesting. This is also where the trails become much more difficult to run. The next 3 miles are on unimproved backcountry trails. They receive very light, and in some cases, no use and are not leveled or maintained. After two steep little hills you will cross over the ridge to the back side of Double Oak Mountain. As you continue along the east side of the ridge the trail becomes much steeper going down hill to a small creek. As you cross the creek, look up above you. This rather imposing hill is what we affectionately call "Barkley Hill" named after the infamous Barkley Marathons. This is also where we run 600 ft. of rope up the hill. If it doesn't rain the rope isn't necessary. If it does rain, this climb without ropes would be just about impossible! This section will be much easier to negotiate if you have trekking poles. The hill gains 250 ft. in 210 yards. That's steep!! The top of the hill is guarded by the Barkley Demon! As you approach the ridge, look up to your right to see this rather imposing stone figure looming above.
Once you reach the ridge (after a short recovery) you will follow a fairly easy section of trail for about 1/3 mile along the southeast side of the ridge to where the old wagon road cuts through a very rocky section of the ridge. Continue straight ahead on the old wagon road as it drops down the back side of Double Oak Mtn. The old road zigzags down the back side of the mountain for less than a mile, then makes a sharp right and traverses along a series of rocky ledges for about a mile. This old road is steep in some places but fairly easy to run. If you look carefully you can still see the parallel ruts of the road. Eventually the trail drops sharply downhill through a rock band, turning left then back right. Watch for the old wagon wheel rim and bearing case as the trails levels out. Just past the remains of the wheel, the trial again turns left through another rocky area and continues downhill to an old sunken road.
Go right on the old road and continue until just before the park boundary. You will see a No Trespassing sign on the left where the trail leave the old roadbed. If you go to far, you will come to the park boundary. Follow the trail off to the right slowly winding up the side of the mountain. Cross a small creek and follow the trail up the back side of the east ridge of Double Oak Mountain. This is the longest of the backcountry climbs and there are a few very steep sections. This hill is called "Topples Hill" and gains 550 ft. in 0.45 Miles. At the top, turn left along the ridge to an overlook where the trial leaves the ridge to the right and connects into the Blue Trail. Go right on the Blue Trial to the South Red/Blue Connector and turn left, downhill to the Red Bike Road. Cross the bridge and angle right continuing downhill on the bike road to the North Red/Blue Connector.
Eagle Nest Trail Aid Station, Mile 11.8 - Runners will turn right at the connector and climb up the to the Blue Trial, turn right again for about 100 yards, then make a sharp left up the steep climb to Eagles Nest Overlook. Continue to the ridge crest and follow the trail along the ridge heading northeast. Runners will again enter the Far End Back Trail heading northeast, straight ahead. Stay on the trail along the ridge, then across a small valley and up to the next ridge. As you reach the ridge, you will turn left onto the original Far End Back Trail heading down the ridge to the southwest then drops sharply down the mountain to your right. The old trail "Ts" into the Blue Trail Turn and runners will go right on Blue to the North Trial Head. At the bike road go left about 100 yards the right on the White/Yellow Trail. After a short hill the Yellow and White Split. Angle left onto the Yellow Trail. Stay on Yellow until the trail descends into Maggie's Glen. Turn right onto the White Trail keeping the creek on your left. Continue straight on the Cabin Trail at the intersection where the White Trail turns right. Runners will emerge from the woods and see the cabins straight ahead. Continue straight ahead on the cabin road then take the trail along the lake. The cabins will be on your right, the lake on your left. You are now on a wide trail that follows the lake short then turns right past the dam and continue to where the trail comes out by the bathrooms adjacent to the BMX track. Go left down the road 200 yards back to Redbud Aid Station.
Redbud Pavilion Aid Station, Mile 16.0 - Leave the aid station continuing straight ahead into the woods on the Yellow Trail. Follow the trail around to the intersection with the Red Bike Trail and the Horse Trail. Go left on the horse trail across the creek and climb slowly on gentle trials up to the ruins of Camp Tranquility along the top of the ridge. Most of the cabins are now ruins. The old chapel is the larges set of ruins with only the chimney and foundation remaining.
About the old Camp: These camp was built by the WPA in the mid 1930s. The buildings included a Rock Lodge, Dining Hall, Chapel, four Unit Lodges, Program Huts, Infirmary and upwards of 30 Cabins . The cabins were in four areas located along three ridges overlooking a new lake – Lake Tranquility. Lake Tranquility is a 14 acre lake built below the Camp. (It's now known as the OLD LAKE) The views from camp looking back to the east over the lake were panoramic. From 1937 to 1972 it hosted mainly Boy Scouts for Summer Camp and other activities. Local Church organizations also used the Camp for their youth. The majority of cabin sites at Camp Tranquility ceased to be used around 1972. Today only a few of the cabins remain, including The Camp Office known as the “Rock Leader Lodge”. The Dining Hall that once entertained Scouts, Youth and Religious groups from the area burned down when struck by lightning.
Continue along the trail through the camp and take the small connector to the left over to another section of horse trail. Turn right, and continue on the trail then up the hill to the ruins of the old Chapel. Turn right on the old gravel road and follow it past cabins that are now being renovated by scouts, then up the hill and under the large overhead Camp Tranquility Sign. Head down the mountain on the gravel road, around a gate and continue past group campsites to the Yellow/White Connector Trail. Turn off the road to your left on the Y/W Connector. Follow the trail for 300 yards on flat ground and begin the long climb to the top of West Ridge of Double Oak Mtn.
At the top of the ridge turn right onto the White Trail for about 100 yards to where it joins the Red Bike Road and angle right onto the road. Follow the Red Road for about 1 1/2 miles along the ridgeline, then to the right side of the ridge staying on the Red Bike Road. Watch for where the Green Trail (Peavine Falls Trail) and turn right at benches and a kiosk heading down the mountain. Stay on the Green Trail until you reach the Yellow Trial and go right. Stay on Yellow a short distance to where the trial "Ts" into the Nature Center Trail at the rail fence. Turn left down the hill to the Board Walk (Treetop Nature Trail) and turn left through the large bird cages. Each bird that is housed on the Treetop Nature Trail is un-releasable back into their natural habitat due to some injury that did not heal properly and they would be unable to survive on their own. Runners will leave the Tree Top Trail at the bottom at the gravel drive. Cross the drive and enter the Yellow Trail to the left paralleling Terrace Drive. Follow the trail for about 1/2 mile to a large open area and the Terrace Dr. Aid Station.
Terrace Drive Aid Station #1, Mile 23.5 Leave the aid station heading north across the field and cross Terrace Drive. Continue straight ahead, crossing the parking lot and taking a sidewalk still straight ahead toward the bathrooms behind Dogwood Pavilion and Double Oak Lake. Turn right on the road, and continue along the lake. Continue along a footpath then sidewalks still paralleling the lake. Cross the beach area and continue to follow walkways along the lake always keeping the lake on your left. You will come out of a woody section by the "Marina" site of the Marina Aid Station in 2016 BR. Cross a small grassy area to Terrace Drive and go left at the rail fence and down a short section of rack crossing over a section of the lake.
Just past the lake, take the "Lake Trail" to the left. Follow the Lake Trail for about 2 very gentle miles and watch for the Rattle Snake Ridge trail. Go right on RR for about 3 more miles on easy trails. Follow signs to the right and enter the Family Trail for just under 1 mile. Runners will emerge on Terrace Drive and turn right back to the Terrace Drive Aid Station.
Terrace Drive Aid Station #2 , 28.6 Miles - Runners will leave the aid station continuing on yellow for about 200 yards to where the trail turns left and heads up the hill. The trail will climb over several small hills to the top a ridge where you will turn left and follow the ridge for a short distance. Stay on Yellow as it angles off to the right down the side of the hill. At the intersection with the Jekyll & Hyde Trail, turn left and stay on the bike trail for 2.3 mile. Cross Peavine Falls Road and go left onto Foreplay Bike trail, cross another section of paved road and enter Johnson Mountain Bike Trial.
Climb up the Johnson Mountain Trail for about 0.6 mile and watch for the signs direction you to leave the bike trail continuing straight ahead on an old abandoned bike trail. Stay on the old trail for 0.5 mile to High Hampton Road Just before reaching the road, you leave Oak Mountain State Park. Runners will be in a private neighborhoods and on private land for the next 5 miles. Please do not litter or make excessive noise in this area at night. You will follow the paved road for about 0.4 mile. Watch for a small park area with a bench on your left. In 2016 High Hampton residents provided an aid station so there may be here in 2017. Turn left just before the bench and enter the "Power Line Easement" following trails up and over the mountain, then down the other side to the High Crest Aid Station. Again, Going through the High Crest area you are crossing driveways and passing near homes. This is all private land so please don't do anything to upset the neighbors who allow us to use their land in the race.
High Crest Aid Station, Mile 36.4 - Leave the aid station climbing back over the mountain following the same route back to High Hampton. Go right on High Hampton Dr. and watch for the signs telling you to turn back to the right and into the park. Follow the old trail about 500 yards and watch for signs directing you to go right at the "Y." Continue on the old trial for another 100 yards and merge into the Johnson Mountain Bike trail continuing straight ahead. Stay on the Johnson Mountain Trail for 1.3 miles, cross Peavine Falls Road and enter the BUMP trail straight ahead. Continue on the BUMP trail for one mile, climb up past the "Blood Rock" section of the trail and take the Fire-Pit trail at a sharp right. In 0.9 mile you will come to the end of the Fire-Pit Trail. Cut to your left, parallel the orange gate and enter a short connector (red/green) up to the Green Trail at the ridgeline. Before entering the connector you will see a paved road straight ahead. DO NOT get on the road. At the top of the hill at the "T" go right to the Peavine Falls Parking Lot and turn right heading back southwest to the Peavine Pavilion. There are park bathrooms straight ahead from where runners leave the woods, directly across the parking lot.
Peavine Falls Aid Station #1, Mile 42.9 - The trails in this area are "neighborhood trails, used by hikers that live in two subdivisions along Hwy 11 to enter the park. Leave the pavilion continuing straight ahead going southwest along an old road. Continue onto an old bike trail angling down the hill to the left and eventually connection into another trail continuing straight ahead. Watch for a trail that turns right along a ridge then steeply downhill for about 200 yards. At the "T" into another neighborhood trail go left for a short distance and cross Lower Peavine Creek. The trail angles left and follows the creek then turns steeply uphill. You will eventually reach the Peavine Rock Shelter 200 ft. above the creek. Continue straight ahead until you reach Upper Peavine Creek. Cross the creek on the footbridge and turn right on the White Trail. Follow White to the Blue/White Connector crossing the creek to the right and uphill to the Blue Trial. Turn left on the Blue Trail heading northeast for about 1.5 miles to it's intersection with the Orange Trail near post #14. Go left on Orange, cross the Red Bike Road and continue up Orange to it's intersection with the White Trail. Turn right on White and follow it past Shackleford Point (high point in OMSP) then along the ridge for about 3/4 mile. You will start to descend along the ridge then the trail turns left and continues down the mountain. The White Trail will "T" into the Yellow Trail where runner will turn left on Yellow. Stay on Yellow about 1 mile, past a Kiosk and benches. Just past the benches take the trail to the right leading back to the cabins. Leave the trail on the cabin road to the intersection and turn right to the Cabin Aid Station.
Cabin Aid Station, Mile 50.9 - This is the finish of the Blood Rock 50 Mile and start of the second lap of the Blood Rock 100.
Stay on the trail paralleling Findley Drive for about a mile to where it crosses the "Far End Back Trail." This trail is one of the old backcountry trails that are no longer maintained but it is well used. Turn left and follow the trail along a creek for about 1/2 mile to where the trails turns right and heads uphill. This is the start of the first significant climb up to the top of one of Double Oak Mountains ridges. Once you reach the top on some very steep, very rocky terrain, the trail follows the ridge for a short distance then turns left downhill, then over another rugged and very rock ridge. Stay on the trail down to an old road and go left for a short distance before climbing up a shot hill to the "Kings Chair" Trail.
You are now on the old abandoned "Rim Walk East Trail." Runners will continue along the far southeast ridge of Double Oak Mountain for a couple of miles along some short but climbs and descents. This is where things start to get interesting. This is also where the trails become much more difficult to run. The next 3 miles are on unimproved backcountry trails. They receive very light, and in some cases, no use and are not leveled or maintained. After two steep little hills you will cross over the ridge to the back side of Double Oak Mountain. As you continue along the east side of the ridge the trail becomes much steeper going down hill to a small creek. As you cross the creek, look up above you. This rather imposing hill is what we affectionately call "Barkley Hill" named after the infamous Barkley Marathons. This is also where we run 600 ft. of rope up the hill. If it doesn't rain the rope isn't necessary. If it does rain, this climb without ropes would be just about impossible! This section will be much easier to negotiate if you have trekking poles. The hill gains 250 ft. in 210 yards. That's steep!! The top of the hill is guarded by the Barkley Demon! As you approach the ridge, look up to your right to see this rather imposing stone figure looming above.
Once you reach the ridge (after a short recovery) you will follow a fairly easy section of trail for about 1/3 mile along the southeast side of the ridge to where the old wagon road cuts through a very rocky section of the ridge. Continue straight ahead on the old wagon road as it drops down the back side of Double Oak Mtn. The old road zigzags down the back side of the mountain for less than a mile, then makes a sharp right and traverses along a series of rocky ledges for about a mile. This old road is steep in some places but fairly easy to run. If you look carefully you can still see the parallel ruts of the road. Eventually the trail drops sharply downhill through a rock band, turning left then back right. Watch for the old wagon wheel rim and bearing case as the trails levels out. Just past the remains of the wheel, the trial again turns left through another rocky area and continues downhill to an old sunken road.
Go right on the old road and continue until just before the park boundary. You will see a No Trespassing sign on the left where the trail leave the old roadbed. If you go to far, you will come to the park boundary. Follow the trail off to the right slowly winding up the side of the mountain. Cross a small creek and follow the trail up the back side of the east ridge of Double Oak Mountain. This is the longest of the backcountry climbs and there are a few very steep sections. This hill is called "Topples Hill" and gains 550 ft. in 0.45 Miles. At the top, turn left along the ridge to an overlook where the trial leaves the ridge to the right and connects into the Blue Trail. Go right on the Blue Trial to the South Red/Blue Connector and turn left, downhill to the Red Bike Road. Cross the bridge and angle right continuing downhill on the bike road to the North Red/Blue Connector.
Eagle Nest Trail Aid Station, Mile 11.8 - Runners will turn right at the connector and climb up the to the Blue Trial, turn right again for about 100 yards, then make a sharp left up the steep climb to Eagles Nest Overlook. Continue to the ridge crest and follow the trail along the ridge heading northeast. Runners will again enter the Far End Back Trail heading northeast, straight ahead. Stay on the trail along the ridge, then across a small valley and up to the next ridge. As you reach the ridge, you will turn left onto the original Far End Back Trail heading down the ridge to the southwest then drops sharply down the mountain to your right. The old trail "Ts" into the Blue Trail Turn and runners will go right on Blue to the North Trial Head. At the bike road go left about 100 yards the right on the White/Yellow Trail. After a short hill the Yellow and White Split. Angle left onto the Yellow Trail. Stay on Yellow until the trail descends into Maggie's Glen. Turn right onto the White Trail keeping the creek on your left. Continue straight on the Cabin Trail at the intersection where the White Trail turns right. Runners will emerge from the woods and see the cabins straight ahead. Continue straight ahead on the cabin road then take the trail along the lake. The cabins will be on your right, the lake on your left. You are now on a wide trail that follows the lake short then turns right past the dam and continue to where the trail comes out by the bathrooms adjacent to the BMX track. Go left down the road 200 yards back to Redbud Aid Station.
Redbud Pavilion Aid Station, Mile 16.0 - Leave the aid station continuing straight ahead into the woods on the Yellow Trail. Follow the trail around to the intersection with the Red Bike Trail and the Horse Trail. Go left on the horse trail across the creek and climb slowly on gentle trials up to the ruins of Camp Tranquility along the top of the ridge. Most of the cabins are now ruins. The old chapel is the larges set of ruins with only the chimney and foundation remaining.
About the old Camp: These camp was built by the WPA in the mid 1930s. The buildings included a Rock Lodge, Dining Hall, Chapel, four Unit Lodges, Program Huts, Infirmary and upwards of 30 Cabins . The cabins were in four areas located along three ridges overlooking a new lake – Lake Tranquility. Lake Tranquility is a 14 acre lake built below the Camp. (It's now known as the OLD LAKE) The views from camp looking back to the east over the lake were panoramic. From 1937 to 1972 it hosted mainly Boy Scouts for Summer Camp and other activities. Local Church organizations also used the Camp for their youth. The majority of cabin sites at Camp Tranquility ceased to be used around 1972. Today only a few of the cabins remain, including The Camp Office known as the “Rock Leader Lodge”. The Dining Hall that once entertained Scouts, Youth and Religious groups from the area burned down when struck by lightning.
Continue along the trail through the camp and take the small connector to the left over to another section of horse trail. Turn right, and continue on the trail then up the hill to the ruins of the old Chapel. Turn right on the old gravel road and follow it past cabins that are now being renovated by scouts, then up the hill and under the large overhead Camp Tranquility Sign. Head down the mountain on the gravel road, around a gate and continue past group campsites to the Yellow/White Connector Trail. Turn off the road to your left on the Y/W Connector. Follow the trail for 300 yards on flat ground and begin the long climb to the top of West Ridge of Double Oak Mtn.
At the top of the ridge turn right onto the White Trail for about 100 yards to where it joins the Red Bike Road and angle right onto the road. Follow the Red Road for about 1 1/2 miles along the ridgeline, then to the right side of the ridge staying on the Red Bike Road. Watch for where the Green Trail (Peavine Falls Trail) and turn right at benches and a kiosk heading down the mountain. Stay on the Green Trail until you reach the Yellow Trial and go right. Stay on Yellow a short distance to where the trial "Ts" into the Nature Center Trail at the rail fence. Turn left down the hill to the Board Walk (Treetop Nature Trail) and turn left through the large bird cages. Each bird that is housed on the Treetop Nature Trail is un-releasable back into their natural habitat due to some injury that did not heal properly and they would be unable to survive on their own. Runners will leave the Tree Top Trail at the bottom at the gravel drive. Cross the drive and enter the Yellow Trail to the left paralleling Terrace Drive. Follow the trail for about 1/2 mile to a large open area and the Terrace Dr. Aid Station.
Terrace Drive Aid Station #1, Mile 23.5 Leave the aid station heading north across the field and cross Terrace Drive. Continue straight ahead, crossing the parking lot and taking a sidewalk still straight ahead toward the bathrooms behind Dogwood Pavilion and Double Oak Lake. Turn right on the road, and continue along the lake. Continue along a footpath then sidewalks still paralleling the lake. Cross the beach area and continue to follow walkways along the lake always keeping the lake on your left. You will come out of a woody section by the "Marina" site of the Marina Aid Station in 2016 BR. Cross a small grassy area to Terrace Drive and go left at the rail fence and down a short section of rack crossing over a section of the lake.
Just past the lake, take the "Lake Trail" to the left. Follow the Lake Trail for about 2 very gentle miles and watch for the Rattle Snake Ridge trail. Go right on RR for about 3 more miles on easy trails. Follow signs to the right and enter the Family Trail for just under 1 mile. Runners will emerge on Terrace Drive and turn right back to the Terrace Drive Aid Station.
Terrace Drive Aid Station #2 , 28.6 Miles - Runners will leave the aid station continuing on yellow for about 200 yards to where the trail turns left and heads up the hill. The trail will climb over several small hills to the top a ridge where you will turn left and follow the ridge for a short distance. Stay on Yellow as it angles off to the right down the side of the hill. At the intersection with the Jekyll & Hyde Trail, turn left and stay on the bike trail for 2.3 mile. Cross Peavine Falls Road and go left onto Foreplay Bike trail, cross another section of paved road and enter Johnson Mountain Bike Trial.
Climb up the Johnson Mountain Trail for about 0.6 mile and watch for the signs direction you to leave the bike trail continuing straight ahead on an old abandoned bike trail. Stay on the old trail for 0.5 mile to High Hampton Road Just before reaching the road, you leave Oak Mountain State Park. Runners will be in a private neighborhoods and on private land for the next 5 miles. Please do not litter or make excessive noise in this area at night. You will follow the paved road for about 0.4 mile. Watch for a small park area with a bench on your left. In 2016 High Hampton residents provided an aid station so there may be here in 2017. Turn left just before the bench and enter the "Power Line Easement" following trails up and over the mountain, then down the other side to the High Crest Aid Station. Again, Going through the High Crest area you are crossing driveways and passing near homes. This is all private land so please don't do anything to upset the neighbors who allow us to use their land in the race.
High Crest Aid Station, Mile 36.4 - Leave the aid station climbing back over the mountain following the same route back to High Hampton. Go right on High Hampton Dr. and watch for the signs telling you to turn back to the right and into the park. Follow the old trail about 500 yards and watch for signs directing you to go right at the "Y." Continue on the old trial for another 100 yards and merge into the Johnson Mountain Bike trail continuing straight ahead. Stay on the Johnson Mountain Trail for 1.3 miles, cross Peavine Falls Road and enter the BUMP trail straight ahead. Continue on the BUMP trail for one mile, climb up past the "Blood Rock" section of the trail and take the Fire-Pit trail at a sharp right. In 0.9 mile you will come to the end of the Fire-Pit Trail. Cut to your left, parallel the orange gate and enter a short connector (red/green) up to the Green Trail at the ridgeline. Before entering the connector you will see a paved road straight ahead. DO NOT get on the road. At the top of the hill at the "T" go right to the Peavine Falls Parking Lot and turn right heading back southwest to the Peavine Pavilion. There are park bathrooms straight ahead from where runners leave the woods, directly across the parking lot.
Peavine Falls Aid Station #1, Mile 42.9 - The trails in this area are "neighborhood trails, used by hikers that live in two subdivisions along Hwy 11 to enter the park. Leave the pavilion continuing straight ahead going southwest along an old road. Continue onto an old bike trail angling down the hill to the left and eventually connection into another trail continuing straight ahead. Watch for a trail that turns right along a ridge then steeply downhill for about 200 yards. At the "T" into another neighborhood trail go left for a short distance and cross Lower Peavine Creek. The trail angles left and follows the creek then turns steeply uphill. You will eventually reach the Peavine Rock Shelter 200 ft. above the creek. Continue straight ahead until you reach Upper Peavine Creek. Cross the creek on the footbridge and turn right on the White Trail. Follow White to the Blue/White Connector crossing the creek to the right and uphill to the Blue Trial. Turn left on the Blue Trail heading northeast for about 1.5 miles to it's intersection with the Orange Trail near post #14. Go left on Orange, cross the Red Bike Road and continue up Orange to it's intersection with the White Trail. Turn right on White and follow it past Shackleford Point (high point in OMSP) then along the ridge for about 3/4 mile. You will start to descend along the ridge then the trail turns left and continues down the mountain. The White Trail will "T" into the Yellow Trail where runner will turn left on Yellow. Stay on Yellow about 1 mile, past a Kiosk and benches. Just past the benches take the trail to the right leading back to the cabins. Leave the trail on the cabin road to the intersection and turn right to the Cabin Aid Station.
Cabin Aid Station, Mile 50.9 - This is the finish of the Blood Rock 50 Mile and start of the second lap of the Blood Rock 100.