Fastest Known Times — that is, the fastest known time that it’s taken someone to cover a stretch of trail. You may be familiar with the concept in terms of a major trail. The AT, for instance, which has seen intense competition over the years to see a new FKT record. The current record, for the 2,189-mile AT, btw, is 41 days, 7 hours and 39 minutes, set in 2018 by Karel Sabbe, a Belgian dentist. Or possibly North Carolina’s 1,175-mile Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which saw a new record set last summer, when Tara Dower ran it in 29 days, 8 hours and 48 minutes.

But those are far from the only trails that boast FKTs, thanks to 2020 and the pandemic. With no trail races to focus their energy on, trail runners by the thousands set out to cover a myriad of trails, from Maine’s 6.5-mile Mount Agamenticus 3 Peaks to Skokie, Illinois’ 9.57-mile Skokie Valley Trail.

FastestKnownTime.com is the official record keeper of all things FKT. In 2020, the site received 14,640 FKT submissions — about 40 per day — from people claiming to have set the FKT record for a given trail, or stretch thereof. The really wacky news? FastestKnownTime.com recently proclaimed 2021 to be the year of the FKT, suggesting that 2020 was a mere warm-up.

To us stop-and-smell-the-roses types, the allure of the FKT may be a bit perplexing. Covering 42 miles per day for more than 29 straight days as Tara Dower (pictured above) did to set her 2020 MST record might have one asking numerous questions, starting with, “When do you have time to sleep?” (Answer: you don’t, much.)

Dower and fellow FKTers Tory Grieves and Kyle Curtin, who last year set the respective female and male record for the 62-mile Pitchell Run (the stretch of the MST between 5,722-foot Mount Pisgah and 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell) shared their stories and perspective at the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea trail’s annual gathering, this year called the “Ungathering” because it was conducted remotely, via Zoom. The Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail was gracious enough to share the audio of their panel discussion with our GetHiking! Southeast podcast, which you can listen to here. 

Where some of the FKTs set in 2020 for trails in the Southeast?

• Uwharrie Trail in the Uwharrie National Forest southwest of Asheboro, N.C., 37.4 miles: set, unsupported, by Jon Ziefle in 7 hours, 4 minutes, 57 seconds. (Ziefle was busy in 2020, also setting the FKT for the 33-mile Neuse River Trail in Raleigh and Clayton, running it in 3 hours, 45 minutes and 39 seconds).
• Mount Rogers via Massie Gap, Virginia, 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles): set, unsupported, by Ryan Woods in 36 minutes, 49 seconds (it was one of 7 FKTs set by Woods in 2020).
• Rocky Top – Thunderhead – Brier Knob Loop, Tennessee, 25.8 miles: set by Kevin Hoeper in 4 hours, 22 minutes and 34 seconds (that eclipsed the previous record, set three months earlier by Luke Bollschweiler, who beat the previous record set just a month earlier by Hank Hepperly).
• Long Cane Horse Trail, South Carolina, 32 miles: set by Kim Russell in 6 hours, 50 minutes and 56 seconds.
• Greenbrier Trail, West Virginia, 77.1 miles: set by Daniel Rau in 12 hours, 31 minutes and 57 seconds. 

Wondering how these FKTs are verified? You can find that out and get most of your other FKT questions answered at FastestKnownTime.com. Another cool thing you can do on the site: track FKT attempts in progress. Which leads us to wish Craig Millikin best of luck as he attempts to set a new record of the 217.5-mile Ouachita Trail in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Go Craig!

GetHiking! Southeast Podcast

In this week’s podcast, listen to Tara Dower, Tory Grieves and Kyle Curtin share their tales of setting new FKTs on the MST in a rebroadcast of a panel discussion they conducted at the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s annual gathering in March. Catch the podcast here. 

The post Were Record FKTs in 2020 a warm-up for 2021? appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Haiku Hike, Saturday, 10:30 a.m., Eno River State Park, Durham. Literary hike / along the gorgeous Eno / read some, compose some. Learn more here.

Occoneechee Geology Hike, Saturday, 2 p.m. Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, Hillsborough. The massive slash on the north face of mighty Occoneechee, at 867 feet the high point of the Triangle, means the pyrophyllite peak has few secrets to keep. But despite begin an open book, what does it all mean? Geologist Jean-Michel Margot has studied the mountain for decades, and shares his findings in this monthly gathering. Learn more here.

Introduction to Hiking, Sunday, 10:30 a.m., Eno River State Park, Durham. Hiking curious but not sure how to take those first steps down the trail? Join a naturalist for this most mellow of hikes on the 1.01-mile Fanny’s Ford Loop. Learn more here.

Friday Night Paddles at Lake Townsend, Friday, 8-10 p.m., Lake Townsend, Greensboro. Enjoy being on the water at night on this guided trip on Lake Townsend. BYOB, $8; or, rent a single-person boat for $15, tandem for $22. Learn more here.

Run, run, run. Do you know how many runs are scheduled for Saturday in North Carolina? 19, according to RunningInTheUSA.com, from the White Squirrel 5K in Brevard to the Aurora Fossil 5K in Aurora. If you can’t find a run near you, you don’t wanna find a run near you. To find a run near you this weekend, go here.

GetHiking! this weekend

What are our GetHiking chapters in North Carolina up to this weekend? Quite a lot, thanks for asking:

• GetHiking! Charlottesville: Fry Springs Historic Neighborhood, Friday, May 24, 6:30 p.m. Fry Springs Beach Club, Charlottesville. Easy. 4-mile hike exploring the 1806 plantation of the Maury family. Learn more here.
• GetHiking! Charlottesville: Bearfence Mountain, Saturday, May 25, 8:30 a.m. 4105 Lewis and Clark Dr, Charlottesville. 7-miles. Moderately strenuous. Hike highlights: Booten’s Gap, Appalachian Trail, Bearfence Mountain Trail. Learn more here.
• GetHiking! Triad: Lake Brandt Piedmont Trail, Saturday, May 25, 9 a.m. Reedy Fork Trail Head, Greensboro. Easy. 5.4-mile hike through rocky terrain along the Piedmont Trail. Learn more here.
• GetHiking! Charlottesville: Hike the Monticello Trail, Sunday, May 26, 12 p.m. Dairy Barn Road, Charlottesville. Moderate. 5 miles. Mellow walk on a trail of gravel and boardwalk. Learn more here.
• GetHiking! Triangle: Horton Grove Nature Preserve, Sunday, May 26, 1 p.m. Horton Grove Nature Preserve, Durham. Moderately easy. 4.5-mile hike through rolling terrain. Learn more here.
• GetHiking! Charlottesville: Franklin Cliffs and Hawksbill, Monday, May 27, 8 a.m. Albemarle Square, Charlottesville. Strenuous. 9.2-miles. Hike highlights: Big Meadows Horse Trail, Lower Hawksbill Gap, Fishers Gap. Learn more here.
• GetHiking! Charlottesville: Virginia Capital Trail, Monday, May 27, 9 a.m. Sticks Kebob Trail, Charlottesville. Easy to moderate. 10-mile bike ride along the Virginia Capital Trail. Learn more here.

Live the video

This week’s video comes from last week’s hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail around Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area on the Riverwalk through Hillsborough. We recommend starting downtown at Weaver Street Market (park in the adjoining municipal deck, it’s free) and taking the Riverwalk upstream to Gold Park and on across Eno Mountain Road in Occoneechee. This lollipop loop is about 5 miles. Learn more here.

The post GetOut! Your Nudge For Weekend Adventure appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Two years ago we published five trails that we found to be especially speed-friendly, in large part because of their generally rockless and rootless treat. Today, we double the list, adding five more that we feel fit the bill.

Here are five trails/trail networks where speeding is understandable and should be tolerated.

1. Brumley Forest

Hillsborough, NC

7.5 miles

Multiple trails

There are about 15 miles of trail at Brumley Forest, half of which are open to mountain biking and have the best runner mojo. Wood Duck Way is a nice warm-up, connecting to the lengthy — 4.2 miles (more if you aren’t paying attention) — Springhouse Loop. You’ll find a few, brief rocky spots, engineered for the enjoyment of mountain bikers, but they break up the run with some focused tip-toeing. Throw in the whoop-de-doing Buckeye Loop and you’ve got 7.5 miles of fast, foot-friendly fun.

More info here.

2. Pilot Mountain State Park

Pinnacle, NC

Mountain Trail/Grindstone Loop

6 miles

Two reasons to run this loop. First, it eschews the crowds that frequent the top of Pilot Mountain, where you can wait 30 minutes for a parking spot, and once you’re on the trail, you’re constantly dodging hikers. (You can begin this loop from the lonely Surry Line Road Access.) Second, it has it’s challenging moments (read: climbs) but none are severe and none last long. Plus, you’ll be spending your time in a nicely shaded hardwood forest, especially important on a summer run.

More info here.

3. Hagen Stone Park

Pleasant Garden (Triad area)

3.5 miles

Chatfield Trail

To indicate how threat-free most of this trail is, it’s one of the most popular cross-country courses in the region. It’s noted for its passing lanes, its push-me-but-don’t-break-me climbs, and its overall flow. As for the half mile or so that’s not part of the course, if you start from the gravel lot just inside the front gate and run clockwise, you’ll get it out of the way first, while you’re still fresh.

More info here.

4. National Whitewater Center

Charlotte

30 miles (with smaller runs easily doable)

Multiple trails

This multi-use network is shared by runners and mountain bikers, but the wide trails (in most spots) make it work for both. A traditional rating system for the mountain bikers makes it easy to see whether a trail is easy, intermediate, or holy-cow-how-did-I-wind-up-here? hard. Designed with mountain bikers in mind, the trail has good flow, and the compacted surface minimizes slippage. One caveat: while you don’t have to pay the Whitewater Center admission fee to run, you do have to pay to park: $5 a day, $40 a year.

More info here.

5. Harris Lake County Park

Holly Springs, NC

5 miles

Peninsula Trail

The true joy of this hike isn’t the smooth running surface, or the absence of elevation. Rather, it’s the ever-changing scenery that makes this 5 miles fly by. You’ll run through a swamp, amid the longleafs of a pine savannah, along the lake, past a disc golf course — you’ll even catch a glimpse of the nuclear reactor over yonder. That smooth trail surface lets you enjoy the views and allows your endorphin-energized brain to emphasize the pure enjoyment of the run.

More info here.

6. Merchants Millpond State Park

Gatesville, NC

6 miles

Lassiter Trail

The trail takes advantage of most of the 3,250-acre park, starting near the boathouse and spending about a mile or so within view of the millpond. It then explores the northeast section of the park, an area filled with mature forest that doesn’t betray its swamp heritage: overhead you’re likely to see Spanish moss and mistletoe clinging to the branches of ancient trees. Pines and a variety of hardwoods, including stately beech, are prevalent, as are a range of critters that enjoy wet environments. Carpenter frogs, leopard frogs, bull frogs, cricket frogs and species of tree frogs enjoy the wetlands as do various pond turtles and snapping turtles. The cottonmouth is also present, so beware. 

More info here.

7. Northwest River Park 

Chesapeake, VA

7.5 miles

Indian Creek, Molly Mitchell, Otter Point, Shuttle and Deer Island trails

The 8 miles of trail here are relatively flat, their configuration making for short loops of 2 miles or longer dashes to help shake the cobwebs. A favorite: from the main parking area, catch the Molly Mitchell Trail, which meanders through a wetland forest (the wetter portions negotiated with boardwalk and bridges) down to near Smith Creek. At the 2-mile mark you’ll hit the Shuttle Trail; if you’re hiking thirst is slaked, go right for the the mile-long hike back to your car. Otherwise, go left and, in a couple hundred feet, go left again on the Otter Point Trail, which will take you closer to Smith Creek and the wetlands. A mile later you’ll be at a grassy area and pier overlooking the Northwest River. Either return to the parking area on the Deer Island Trail (about a mile and a quarter, bringing your mileage up to 4.25) or loop around on the Indian Creek Trail, which will get your total mileage closer to 6. Good options, all.

More info here. 

8. Rivanna Trail 

Charlottesville, Va.

3.2 miles, with longer options

The 20-mile long Rivanna Trail is a bit psychotic. Some of its 19 sections are on the wild side (from Azalea Park to Jordan Park, for instance), but many offer the type of fast hiking you sometimes need — after work, perhaps. One such stretch is the 3.2-mile run from Riverview Park to Holmes Avenue near Darden Towe Park. This stretch is dominated by field and park land, and includes good access to the Rivanna River. The pavement (yes, it’s paved, but it has a wild feel) and the distance make this an especially attractive stretch for those seeking aerobic benefits. Speed walkers, runners, strollers, cyclists who don’t like doing battle with traffic all frequent this stretch. 

More info here.

9. Ivy Creek Natural Area

Earlysville, VA

7 miles

Various trails ranging in length from 0.2 to 1.6 miles.

There is to be no jogging on the seven miles of trail at Ivy Creek! Let’s get that straight up front. So while you may need to restrain yourself to some degree, you likely won’t mind: located at the base of the Blue Ridge, Ivy Creek is a mix of upland hardwood forest, stands of pine, meadows, streams, shoreline rambling along Rivanna River Reservoir and a native grass restoration project, all of which will make you slow down and savor.  Note: Frequently, you encounter a junction of trails. Take a map if you like, but otherwise, go with your favorite color (the trails are color-coded).

More info here.

10. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 294 near Blowing Rock, NC

1 to 26 miles

We throw this mountain wonder into the mix to let you add some elevation gain to your workout. 

Moses Cone, a 3,600-acre retreat along the Blue Ridge Parkway, has a martahon’s-worth of smooth carriage trail that lets you focus on what’s along the trail, not on the trail itself. The mile-long walk around Bass Lake is especially foot-friendly and can be accessed just outside of Blowing Rock. A particularly accessible adventure from Charlotte and the Triad.

More information here.

The post 10 Trails Made for Speed appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

It started as a mellow saunter, progressed to an up-tempo hike, then, on a modest downhill, evolved into a trot. It was one of my first hikes at the Triangle Land Conservancy’s new Brumley Forest property near Hillsborough, and the absence of rocks and tree roots coupled with the gentle flow reminded me of my bygone days of being able to run a 10-minute mile on trail.

For the most part, I believe trails should be treated like a nice wine: savored and not rushed. But every once in a while, you find one that begs to be consumed with abandon. Here are five trails/trail networks where speeding is understandable and should be tolerated.

1. Brumley Forest

Hillsborough

7.5 miles

Multiple trails

There are about 15 miles of trail at Brumley Forest, half of which are open to mountain biking and have the best runner mojo. Wood Duck Way is a nice warm-up, connecting to the lengthy — 4.2 miles (more if you aren’t paying attention) — Springhouse Loop. You’ll find a few, brief rocky spots, engineered for the enjoyment of mountain bikers, but they break up the run with some focused tip-toeing. Throw in the whoop-de-doing Buckeye Loop and you’ve got 7.5 miles of fast, foot-friendly fun.

More info here.

2. Pilot Mountain State Park

Pinnacle

Mountain Trail/Grindstone Loop

6 miles

Two reasons to run this loop. First, it eschews the crowds that frequent the top of Pilot Mountain, where you can wait 30 minutes for a parking spot, and once you’re on the trail, you’re constantly dodging hikers. (You can begin this loop from the lonely Surry Line Road Access.) Second, it has it’s challenging moments (read: climbs) but none are severe and none last long. Plus, you’ll be spending your time in a nicely shaded hardwood forest, especially important on a summer run.

More info here.

3. Hagen Stone Park

Pleasant Garden

3.5 miles

Chatfield Trail

To indicate how threat-free most of this trail is, it’s one of the most popular cross-country courses in the region. It’s noted for its passing lanes, its push-me-but-don’t-break-me climbs, and its overall flow. As for the half mile or so that’s not part of the course, if you start from the gravel lot just inside the front gate and run clockwise, you’ll get it out of the way first, while you’re still fresh.

More info here.

4. National Whitewater Center

Charlotte

30 miles (with smaller runs easily doable)

Multiple trails

This multi-use network is shared by runners and mountain bikers, but the wide trails (in most spots) make it work for both. A traditional rating system for the mountain bikers makes it easy to see whether a trail is easy, intermediate, or holy-cow-how-did-I-wind-up-here? hard. Designed with mountain bikers in mind, the trail has good flow, and the compacted surface minimizes slippage. One caveat: while you don’t have to pay the Whitewater Center admission fee to run, you do have to pay to park: $5 a day, $40 a year.

More info here.

5. Harris Lake County Park

Holly Springs

5 miles

Peninsula Trail

The true joy of this hike isn’t the smooth running surface, or the absence of elevation. Rather, it’s the ever-changing scenery that makes this 5 miles fly by. You’ll run through a swamp, amid the longleafs of a pine savannah, along the lake, past a disc golf course — you’ll even catch a glimpse of the nuclear reactor over yonder. That smooth trail surface lets you enjoy the views and allows your endorphin-energized brain to emphasize the pure enjoyment of the run.

More info here.

* * *

 
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The post Five trails that appeal to your need for speed appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

We head into the wayback machine again to revisit the timely topic of trail etiquette. The following first appeared here on March 19, 2010. It reappears today, with minor revisions. 

Sunday, I was running the bike and bridle trail at Umstead when I came upon a sizable obstacle: a phalanx of hikers bearing backpacks spanned the width of the trail, spilling over onto the shoulders. The trail is quiet generous, a converted fire road that should be capable of handling boatloads of trail users without conflict. Provided those trail users are cognizant of other trail users. Which brings us to today’s topic:

Trail etiquette.

It’s a particularly relevant topic considering highs reaching into the mid to upper 70s accompanied by ample sunshine are bringing legions of hikers into the woods. Warm weather, lots of sunshine, plenty of people on the trail. A few gentle reminders for making sure everyone has a good time out on the trail.

• Pay attention. Even as runners, mountain bikers and other hikers took evasive action to dodge the aforementioned backpackers, the oblivious party continued to block the trail. I appreciate the group experience, but it’s just as easy to appreciate in blocks of two or three on half the trail. Hike/run/bike for a while with that group, then mix it up. But above all, just pay attention.
• Be alert. Runners especially like to hit the trail plugged in to music. I’m quick to admit a recent addiction to Pandora; the unpredictable mix provides welcome surprises, especially on a trail I know too well. If you are plugged in, keep the volume low enough so it doesn’t block out the sounds around you. And keep to the side of the trail.
• Share the trail. I touched on this a while back, but a quick reminder can’t hurt. When sharing the trail, mountain bikers yield to hikers and equestrians, hikers yield to equestrians. And runners? We’re quick on our feet: Don’t worry about us.
• Uphill yields to down. If you’re on a steep, narrow trail, the downhill hiker/biker/runner should yield to the person laboring uphill. While this is a general rule, there are times on a mountain bike where both parties know instinctively that the downhiller should have the right-of-way. And frankly, it’s common practice that the uphiller is only to eager to cede passage — and take a rest in the process.
• “Passing.” This mainly applies to mountain bikers: When you come up behind a slower trail user, announce your intentions to pass. Something simple, such as “Passing on your left” is good. Announce your intentions far enough in advance so that the person has time to react. A “Thank you” after passing a cooperative party is a nice touch. And if they’re plugged in, don’t hear you and continue to take up the middle of the trail, well, be patient, take a breath, remind yourself you’re on the trail on a gorgeous day.
• Stop to the side of the trail. If you stop to take a drink, check a map, eat some gorp, step off the trail.
• Don’t block the trailhead. Another annoying thing that happens at Umstead, at the Lake Crabtree neighborhood entrance: When people — runners and cyclists especially — finish their workout, some like to linger on the road and, based on how long they linger, discuss world politics. On my bike, I’ve actually made eye contact with folks blocking the road who STILL fail to move. Grrr. I mean, Grrreat that they’re so engrossed in what they’re doing.
• Hello! Finally, would it kill you to say a simple, “Hey,” “Hi,” “How are ya?” A little wave, a quick smile, a peace sign. A simple sign of basic humanity goes a long way on the trail.

As it does everywhere in life.

The post Trail etiquette: play nice appeared first on GetGoing NC!.