FALL TRAIL RUNS:

SOUTHEAST

Take yourself on a journey around the Southeast, trail by trail, as we discover some of our Red Team's favorite runs.

11-10-2020

LET'S TALK ABOUT TRAILS.

Trail running is more than just running. It’s exploring. It’s exhilarating. It’s escaping. Trails take us places both physically and emotionally, and fall is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy them. The weather is shifting, the leaves and changing, and the trails are calling.

There are great places to explore all across the country. But don’t take it from us—take it from our Altra Red Team athletes who have provided some of their favorite trails by region.

Singletracks and doubletracks, pushing peaks and pitstops, climbing hills and bombing descents, here are some of our favorite trails throughout the Southeast.

AMANDA YU-NGUYEN

One of my favorite places to run, especially in the fall, is Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, Georgia. Just a short drive west of Atlanta, you will be transported to stunning views over approximately 8 miles of whitewater-filled creeks, boulders, and remote forest. Additionally, this route passes the ruins of the New Manchester Mill, which was used as a filming location for The Hunger Games. This route combines the Red, White, and Yellow trails in the park and provides a pleasant change in scenery every few miles, which keeps my mind and legs engaged. I love coming out here early in the morning to take in all that Mother Nature has to offer. It is such a therapeutic running spot. This trail is dog-friendly, which also means I get to make a lot of new furry friends each time I run! 

Check out Instagram to follow Amanda’s adventures.
 

JAMIELEE STEURER

Easily accessible and always beautiful, the PawPaw and Chinkapin trail loop runs through a privately funded park system called the Parklands situated just within the city limits of Louisville, Kentucky. Great for short, fast running with little elevation (perfect for all skill levels), this trail has a small river crossing and spectacular scenery. I love this trail because it is just a quick commute from my house, yet still feels like you are deep in the woods. With plenty of wildlife to join me, it is a great way to get out and get in the dirt even on busy weekdays for a short 5-mile run, or double up on weekends for longer runs. 

Join Jamielee on her journeys by following her on Instagram. 

MARTIN SCHNEEKLOTH

This trail represents the centerpiece of a technical 10-mile out and back trail route that runs from the bottom of Monte Sano mountain all the way to the old ranger station at the top of the mountain and back down again. In the process, runners traverse some of the most technical singletrack trails of the Land Trust of North Alabama and Monte Sano State Park and climb more than 1200 feet. This route has become a local favorite for trail runners looking to do some uphill running on technical terrain before bombing back down to hone their downhill trail running skills. In fact, I’ve run this route more than 100 times over the past 8 years. 

Martin is always on the move. Follow him on Instagram and check out with website.

JUSTIN McLAMB

The Cliffs of the Neuse State Park offer a mix of Eastern North Carolina running traits. It has roots, sandy trails, and even some rocks. It also offers a little bit of climbing which is hard to find in this region. This 4-mile loop which combines a few different trails within the park offers some scenic views of the Neuse River and combines singletrack and doubletrack trails. While not overly technical, the Park is great for all ages and is perfect for running those short to mid-range distance runs. I like running the loop in alternating directions since it helps to mix up the trail sections and also adding in some other smaller trails within the park, which are all easily accessible. 

Follow Justin on Instagram to keep track of his trail running. 

GENNY ALIFF

Genny Aliff 

The King’s Chair Loop will take your breath away from its elevation gain and scenic views. Whether running or hiking is your sport, this trail is one to explore when visiting Oak Mountain State Park. The first couple of miles of the steep path lead you to a gorgeous overlook, and on a clear summer day, you can see for miles into the Talladega National Forest. Colder seasons give a stunning view of bright-colored leaves, and the crisp air will energize you for the 2-mile descent back to the trailhead. 

Keep up with Genny on her Instagram.

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE STORIES