Cloudland Canyon Trail Races 2026: Dates, Registration & How to Run Them
Cloudland Canyon trail races run December 5–6, 2026 at Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn GA — 50M, 50K, 25K, and 5M by Run Bum. Registration, costs, and how to run them.
In this guide
If a December goal race sounds better than a December taper, Cloudland Canyon is calling. On December 5–6, 2026, Run Bum’s trail races return to Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Georgia — four distances from 5 miles to 50 miles through one of the Southeast’s most dramatic gorge systems, in full winter waterfall-canyon season.
Quick answer: Cloudland Canyon trail races are December 5–6, 2026, at Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn GA (organizer: Run Bum). Distances: 50M (6,500 ft, 15:30 cutoff), 50K (4,500 ft, 11h), 25K (2,200 ft, 5.5h), 5M (600 ft, 1.5h). Register via UltraSignup ($63.06–$179.22 by distance); medal/pint glass guaranteed if you register by November 1.
The essentials: distances, climbs, and cutoffs
| Distance | Elevation gain | Cutoff | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50M | 6,500 ft | 15:30 | Experienced ultra runners |
| 50K | 4,500 ft | 11:00 | Seasoned trail racers |
| 25K | 2,200 ft | 5:30 | Intermediate trail runners |
| 5M | 600 ft | 1:30 | First-timers and newer trail runners |
Cloudland Canyon is known for its rugged gorge trails, long stone staircases, and waterfall overlooks. December brings bare-canopy views that open up the gorge, plus genuinely cold canyon mornings.
Registration: how to enter
Entry is handled through UltraSignup:
Register for the Cloudland Canyon trail races →
Pricing runs $63.06–$179.22 depending on distance. Two deadlines matter:
- November 1: register by this date to guarantee your finisher medal or pint glass
- The refund policy: no refunds, transfers, or deferrals (effective 8/25/2026) — commit before you click. Optional SPOT refund protection is available at checkout.
On a budget? Volunteers earn free entry — 8 hours of volunteering for the 50K and longer, 6 hours for the shorter distances. Check the race page for volunteer sign-up details.
The runner handbook — course maps, aid-station breakdowns, cutoff schedules, and crew/pacer info — is provided to all entrants.
How to attend: Rising Fawn in December
Cloudland Canyon State Park sits in northwest Georgia, near Rising Fawn. Book lodging early, as options near the park are limited in winter.
Race-weekend checklist:
- Traction. Stone staircases + wet winter rock = slippery; trail shoes with real grip are non-negotiable.
- Layers. Canyon starts are cold and the gorge traps it — dress to warm up as you move.
- Headlamp for ultra distances. Early starts and long days mean you’ll bookend the race in the dark.
Event details compiled from the official race listing and runner handbook. Prices, distances, and policies can change — confirm on the UltraSignup registration page before entering.
Related guides
- December 2026 Hiking Events: Trail Races, a Gear Expo & Holiday Fun Runs — the full December calendar, including festive alternatives
- Austin Trail of Lights Fun Run 2026: Date, Registration & How to Run It — a no-cutoff night fun run the same weekend, for the whole family
- FEAR Trail Fest 2026: Dates, Registration & How to Run It (Morristown NJ) — another beginner-friendly trail race from the November calendar
- How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking (The Complete System) — race-day feet: the blister system that survives gorge miles
Frequently asked questions
When and where are the 2026 Cloudland Canyon trail races?
December 5–6, 2026, at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, Georgia. Organized by Run Bum (Run Bum Races), the weekend offers four distances — 50M, 50K, 25K, and 5M — through the park’s waterfall canyon and gorge system.
Which Cloudland Canyon race distance is right for a first-timer?
The 5M (600 feet of climbing, 1.5-hour cutoff) is the friendliest entry point, and the 25K (2,200 feet, 5.5-hour cutoff) suits runners with some trail experience. The 50M’s 6,500 feet of climbing and 15:30 cutoff are a serious undertaking for experienced ultra runners.
How do I register for the Cloudland Canyon races and what does it cost?
Registration runs through UltraSignup, priced $63.06–$179.22 depending on distance. Register by November 1 to guarantee your finisher medal or pint glass. A runner handbook with maps, aid-station breakdowns, cutoffs, and crew/pacer info is provided.
What is the refund policy for the Cloudland Canyon trail races?
There are no refunds, transfers, or deferrals (policy effective 8/25/2026) — so only enter a distance you’re committed to. You can add optional SPOT refund protection at UltraSignup checkout for coverage if plans change.
What is the Cloudland Canyon trail race course like in December?
A winter waterfall-canyon setting: rugged gorge trails, stone staircases, and overlooks, with elevation gains from 600 feet (5M) to 6,500 feet (50M). Expect cold canyon mornings and bare-canopy views that open up the gorge.