Mountain Mist - January 24, 2026

32nd Annual Mountain Mist

One of the Southeast's Oldest and largest trails runs, Mountain Mist features a tour of the Monte Sano State Park and the Huntsville Land Trust Trails of North Alabama. Rocky, rough well maintained trails through the State park among rock walls, stone cuts, sink holes and to the very bottom of the mountain. Runners work their way back up through Land Trust trails from Oak Park eventually up the infamous Waterline Trail and finishing up the last 6 miles through the brutal McKay Hollow.

Registration: Online entry at Ultra Signup.com will open on October 1, 12:00am central time. No paper entry forms will be accepted whatsoever. Mountain Mist 50km accepted 525 registered runners. Once the race fills up, the only way you can register is if someone withdraws from the race. Race closes completely for 2026 on Jan 17. There will be no refunds, no race day registration and no race entry transfers to another runner and no deferals. The race management reserves the right to deny entry to anyone not demonstrating an appropriate background in endurance activities which would allow them to complete this race in a safe and timely manner. Time limit is 9:30:00. Time limits are strictly enforced.

Start Time: 7:00am CST

Course

This course consists of extremely rocky mountain single track trails, mud and creek crossings. There is around 4,300' feet of climb. There is a vertical climb on the course that requires the use of your upper body going up the infamous Waterline Trail. The final 6 miles drops into and back out of McKay Hollow, very rugged trails.

Packet Pickup

FRIDAY Jan 23rd from 12pm-8pm at Monte Sano Lodge at Monte Sano State Park. Late packet pickup will be Saturday from 5:30am-6:30am at the Lodge.

Conditions

Expect anything...including cancellation due to inclement weather (the mountain can ice over)! Temperatures can range from 10 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The race may be cancelled due to snow and ice conditions. If roads are impassable the race may be cancelled.

Special Rules

Due to our liability insurance and safety concerns the following are not allowed during the race: strollers, baby joggers, skateboards, bicycles, animals, rollerblades, unauthorized vehicles, unentered runners, etc. Headphones are strongly discouraged.

Directions

From I-65 take I-565 East to Memorial Parkway South. Continue South on the parkway and exit onto Governor's Drive. Turn left (East) on Governor's Dr. then drive through downtown and up the mountain. Turn left (North) at the stop light on top of the mountain onto Monte Sano Blvd. Continue on Monte Sano Blvd. to Nolen Dr., the entrance of Monte Sano State Park, which will be on the right (East) side of Monte Sano Blvd. Enter the park and the race start will be down on your right at the second road to your right in front of the Lodge.

Time Limits

Per the State Park rules the race must be finished at 4:30 pm, which gives the runners 9:30:00ish hours/minutes to complete the race. In order to make this happen there will be five checkpoints along the course with time limits in order for folks to make the finish before the trails close. Those who do not make the checkpoints in the allowed times will be removed from the course. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Awards

Every finisher gets a hand made Finisher Slate from Smokey Mt Slate Co. Age group awards will be available when results are compiled at the Lodge.

Medical and Aid

The HEMSI HART Rescue Team and Huntsville Cave Rescue Unit will be providing medical / evacuation assistance. There will be six major aid/check-in stations equipped with water, Powerade, Coke Products, candy, pretzels, Oranges, etc. It is recommended that you carry at least one bottle of fluids with you the entire run.

Statement on Headphones

The use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. For the safety of all participants, the Huntsville Track Club encourages a headphone-free environment.