CATAss 50k

Andy Jones-Wilkins created this run as a training run for The Race™.

Distance
  • 31.4 miles
Running time
  • 4.5–8 hours
Total ascent/descent
  • 6,500 feet
    210 feet/mile
Start/finish
GPX file
Print or download
What to wear

Directions

From the trailhead, take the North Fork Moorman’s River Trail for 5.9 miles to the top of the ridge at Blackrock Gap and the intersection with Skyline Drive and the Appalachian Trail (AT). Turn right (north) on the AT for 1.1 miles to a 0.2 mile side trail to the left to the Blackrock summit.

After returning from the summit, take a left (north) on the AT for 1.4 miles to the Jones Run Trail. Take a right and descend on the Jones Run Trail, passing Jones Falls, to the Doyles River Trail. Make a left on the Doyles River Trail and ascend back up to the ridge.

When you reach the AT, take a left (south) and follow for 13.9 miles to the Turk Gap Parking Area. Leave the AT on the Turk Branch Trail and drop off the ridge for 2.4 miles. Take a left on the South Fork Moorman’s River Trail and follow for 2.0 miles back to your car. In 0.5 miles is an excellent swimming hole down to the left, known locally as Blue Hole.

Last updated May 28, 2020

What you do is up to you, but you shouldn't rely on these directions alone; they are often not specific enough to navigate by, and may be incorrect or out of date. Review a map beforehand and carry it with you. Tell a friend where you are going and when you plan to return. Do not count on having cell phone service while on the run. The VHTRC is not responsible for your welfare on any of these runs. If you go on one of these runs and get lost, run out of water, get injured, mauled by a bear, or die, or if anything else goes wrong, it's your fault; not ours. You assume all risks here and the VHTRC assumes none at all. Legal issues aside, some of these runs are more remote than others and the VHTRC is not suggesting that you do any of these runs, unless you are prepared to accept full responsibility for yourself.