Southern States 200

Experience the Only 200-Mile Point-to-Point Mountain Trail Run East of the Rockies

Journey 203.14 miles from the mountains of north Georgia to Alabama's highest peak. Follow the legendary Pinhoti Trail through the Chattahoochee and Talladega National Forests, finishing atop Mount Cheaha in one of America's most unique endurance adventures.

This isn't just a run — it's a life-changing journey.

The Adventure Awaits

The Southern States 200 takes you on an epic point-to-point journey that few ultrarunners will ever experience. Starting at Mill Creek near Dalton, Georgia, you'll traverse 203.14 miles of diverse terrain, climbing 27,933 feet of elevation gain, before reaching the summit of Mount Cheaha—Alabama's highest point.

What Makes This Event so Special

• Unique Course: The only known 200-mile point-to-point mountain trail run east of the Rockies

• Diverse Terrain: 82% single and double-track trails through pristine through two National Forests

• Incredible Support: 86% finish rate in 2024—unheard of for a 200-mile event

• Amazing Volunteers: Almost all our volunteers are ultrarunners or marathoners who understand the amazing effort required by 200 mile runners

• Community Focus: An adventure emphasizing personal challenge, camaraderie, and self-discovery

• 100 Hour Time Limit: Plenty of time to complete this incredible journey. Every step is an opportunity to push your limits, support fellow adventurers, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Unmatched Support for Your Success

• 15 Full Aid Stations + 1 Water-Only Station

• All Aid Stations are in 10X20 or Larger Tents. All aid stations ar located in large tents with sidewalls

• All Aid Stations are Heated: Propane heaters will keep the tents warm when needed

• Gourmet Trail Food: Hot, made-to-order meals available 24/7

• Real Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with vegetarian and vegan options

• Medical Support: Trained personnel on course at all times

• Drop Bag Service: 12 stations accept drop bags

• Crew Access: All stations except John's Mountain and Lost Gulch allow crew access

5 Full Heated Sleep Stations

Located at miles 69, 101, 122, 158, and 183:

• Heated, enclosed sleeping tents

• Sleeping pads and bags provided

• Wake-up service—tell volunteers when to send you on your way

• Additional sleeping gear available at all aid other stations beyond High Point, GA

Course Marking & Safety

• 100% of the course is marked with flags, ribbons, and signs

• All flags and flagging after Snake Creek Gap have DOT rated prismatic reflective tape attached

• Easy night navigation

• All runner are equipped with SPOT Trackers (We know where they are)

• All runners are required to have the course “GPX” file on a navigation device

Course Breakdown: From Georgia Mountains to Alabama's Highest Peak

Terrain Variety

• Single/Double Track Trails: 167 miles (82.3%)

• Packed Dirt/Gravel Roads: 10.6 miles (5.2%)

• Paved Roads: 25.4 miles (12.5%)

The Journey

Georgia Section: Start in the mountains with significant climbs and beautiful single-track trails

Mid-Section: More forgiving terrain on rail-trails with no paved sections from High Point Chattahoochee to Huffaker Road

Middle - Road Section: 18.86 miles of back roads from Huffaker to Cave Spring

The last 100 Miles: Return to mountain trails for the almost all of the Alabama Section

Final Challenge: The legendary final 9-mile climb up Mount Cheaha

Finish at the Top of Alabama

Your journey concludes at Mount Cheaha's summit in beautiful Cheaha State Park. Stay just steps from the finish line at the Bald Rock Lodge, where you can shower and rest immediately after completing your adventure.

Bald Rock Lodge: This Historic Stone Lodge has great accommodations available at the finish. Walk directly from the finishing arch to your room for the ultimate post-adventure experience.

Ready for the Challenge?

The Southern States 200 will test every aspect of your endurance—physical, mental, and emotional. Those beautiful hills become steeper with each mile. The gentle rail-trails feel endless. That final climb to Cheaha may feel like Everest.

But if you've put in the training hours and mentally prepared yourself, you can do it.

For experienced 100-mile runners: Imagine finishing your last 100-miler, then turning around and running back to the start. That's exactly what you're doing here.

We'll encourage you, support you, push you, and yes—even yell at you if necessary to get you to that finish line. Occasionally, we might even let you rest.

If you're ready, you can do it.

What Our Adventurers Say

"Aid Stations were incredible. I felt so spoiled and undeservingly pampered from AS 1 to the very last... I cried on more than one occasion leaving those stations... the course was breathtaking... Y'all win—and those 'western race companies' have so many resources. It's a testament to y'all and to the trail community here." — Ashlie Ithurburn, 1st Place Female, 67:25:00

"This was my fifth race of 200 miles or longer and it did not disappoint in any way. I love adventure runs or journey runs and this one definitely qualifies... This event will quickly become a classic 200 miler in the US." — Martin Schneekloth

Essential Information

Race Dates: March 18-22, 2026

• Distance: 203.14 miles

• Elevation Gain: 27,933 feet

• Time Limit: 100 hours

• Terrain: Chattahoochee National Forest, Talladega National Forest, Pinhoti Trail

Training Camp: February 7-8, 2026

• Registration: Available through UltraSignup

• Who Should Attend: Every “New” 200 Miler or 100 Miler

2026 Training Camp: Prepare for Success

February 7-8, 2026 at Cheaha State Park

We strongly recommend all first-time 200-milers attend this camp. 100 Milers are welcome.

What's Included ($150 registration)

• Saturday Morning: Preview the final 9 miles—the most challenging section

• Saturday Afternoon: Group discussion with successful finishers, experienced crew members, and our medical director

• Sunday Morning: Preview section from Fay's Blowdown to Lost Gulch

• All Meals & Transportation: Lunch, dinner, continental breakfast, and transport to course previews

• Exclusive Swag: Southern States dry bag, SS200 training shirt, and more

Limited to 30 participants. Open to anyone considering the adventure—not just registered runners.

Register through UltraSignup's "Store" icon or during SS200/100 registration.