Paris Mountain 11k Trail Race – May 26, 2012 – Paris Mountain State Park – Greenville, SC

This is one of a series of trail races at Paris Mountain State Park. I ran the 11k in 2010 and it’s tough and technical, especially in the middle. I described it as “two 3 mile trail runs with a rugged 1 mile hike in the middle.” It’s very rocky in the middle. When I ran the race it was in November, now it’s in May.

A summary of the race from the race organizers:

This is an adventurous trail race as it includes the long climb to the top of the mountain.

Directions: Start at park entrance; Right at Mountain Creek; Left on Sulphur Springs; Continue past the pavilion and reservoir; Left on Firetower; Right on Kanuga; Right on Brissy Ridge; Cross Buckhorn parking lot; Continue down Sulphur Springs; Continue on Mountain Creek; Finish at Ranger Station pavilion.

Race Starts at: 8 am (packet pick up and race day registration from 7 – 7:45 am)

$12.50 postmarked by 5/11/12; $16 postmarked after 5/11/12; $20 Race Day

A little more background on Paris Mountain State Park:

Paris Mountain State Park’s roots date as far back as the Great Depression, when it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This heritage can still be seen in the preserved stone and timber outside of the renovated bathhouse, now known as the Park Center. Inside, the center features historical exhibits and a classroom to teach young and old about the park’s ecology.

Paris Mountain is located in the rapidly-developing city of Greenville, South Carolina, and although the park was once a rural retreat, bikers, hikers and those attending Camp Buckhorn now keep the park bustling year round. Paved camping sites are available, 13 of which offer tent pads, and five trailside campsites around the North Lake Trail Loop.

Driving Directions :
From I-385: Take exit #40 onto N. Pleasantburg Rd (Hwy 291) for approximately 4 mi. Take a rt on Piney Mountain Rd. Go to the 1st light and turn rt. Park is 2 mi. ahead on the left.

From Asheville: Take Hwy 25 towards Greenville. Turn left onto State Park Rd in Travelers Rest. Drive 8 mi (road will change names to East Mountain Creek). Take a ri onto State Park Rd., entrance .8 miles on left.

Online registration is available at Strictly Running. Or, you may download an Entry Form (which includes some other Greenville-area races).