River Gorge
Bluff views, single track, and the Tennessee River.
Saturday, November 21, 2026 · 6.5 mi · 10.2 mi · 20 mi · Prentice-Cooper WMA, TN
- River Gorge course: 1.4 mile climb of 262 feet from mile 16 to mile 18.
- River Gorge course: 0.9 mile climb of 405 feet from mile 11 to mile 12.
- River Gorge course: 0.7 mile climb of 203 feet from mile 5.1 to mile 5.8.
- Distance
- 19mi
- Climb
- 1,750ft
- High point
- 1,884ft
- Low point
- 1,383ft
Profile of the 20 mi course
THE RACE
Course Description
A Southeastern classic that runs the Mullens Cove and Pot Point Loops in the Prentice-Cooper Wildlife Management Area just outside Chattanooga, Tennessee. The highly technical single-track loop trail boasts magnificent bluff views of the Tennessee River, as well as cascading streams lined with rhododendron and towering hemlock. One of the most beautiful trails in the Chattanooga area, this is a bucket list race for both the leisure and competitive trail runner. Elevation gain for the 10 Miler 2000ft, 6.5 Miler is around 1500ft, and the 20 Miler is around 3000ft.
THIS YEAR'S RACE
River Gorge 2026 · Saturday, November 21, 2026
The Bad Beard River Gorge 6.5, 10.2, and 20 mile trail races are a Southeastern classic that runs the Mullens Cove and Pot Point loops in the Prentice-Cooper Wildlife Management Area just outside Chattanooga, Tennessee. The highly technical single-track loop trail boasts magnificent bluff views of the Tennessee River and cascading streams lined with rhododendrons and towering hemlock. One of the most beautiful trails in the Chattanooga area, this is a bucket list race for leisure and competitive trail runners.
Highly technical single-track loop trail on the Mullens Cove and Pot Point loops in Prentice-Cooper Wildlife Management Area. Elevation gain for the 10 Miler is 2000ft, the 6.5 Miler is around 1500ft, and the 20 Miler is around 3000ft. Features bluff views of the Tennessee River and cascading streams lined with rhododendrons and towering hemlock.
Cutoffs — 6.5 Miler: 2 hours 30 minutes · 10.2 Miler: 3 hours 30 minutes · 20 Miler: 5 hours 30 minutes
Awards — The Awards Ceremony will begin immediately after the race. There will be overall awards for Male and Female 1st-3rd place.
DATE: Saturday, November 21, 2026. PRICING — 20 Miler: $80 ($87.50 incl. taxes/fees), $90 after June 30 ($98.12). 10.2 Miler: $60 ($66.25), $70 after June 30 ($76.87). 6.5 Miler: $45 ($48.50), $55 after June 30 ($58.50). REGISTRATION: Online registration only. There will be no walk-up registration on race day. Registration closes Fri, Nov 20 @ 11:59PM CT. PACKET PICKUP — Friday Nov 20, 4:30PM-6:00PM at Hello Monty on Main; Race Day 6:45AM-8:15AM ET at Mullens Cove parking lot start/finish. DIRECTIONS: From downtown Chattanooga, take Hwy 27 North to Hwy 127 North (Signal Mountain). Go 1.9 miles, and turn left onto Suck Creek Road. Continue for 8.2 miles, turn left towards Prentice Cooper State Forest. Follow the signs 0.7 miles to the entrance area of Prentice Cooper. Stay on Tower Road approximately 2 more miles until you arrive at Mullens Cove parking lot and race start/finish. The drive to the start will take 30 minutes. SPONSORS: TuckerBuild, Gearhead Outfitters, Fast Break, La Sportiva, Black Diamond, Evergreen Property Group, Chattanooga Brewing, Rossignol, Turtlebox, Peak Fitness and Physical Therapy, and Horton Design.
TRAIL MAPS
GALLERY
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Where does River Gorge run?
In the Prentice-Cooper Wildlife Management Area just outside Chattanooga, on the Mullens Cove and Pot Point Loops.
How much climbing is in each distance?
Around 3,000 feet for the 20 Miler, about 2,000 for the 10 Miler, and around 1,500 for the 6.5 Miler.
How technical is the trail?
Highly technical single-track. Rock underfoot the whole way, bluff views over the Tennessee River, and cascading streams lined with rhododendron and towering hemlock.
Can I run the course before race day?
Yes. Mullens Cove Loop is open to anyone the rest of the year — the Cumberland Trail Conservancy measures it at 9.8 miles, and the rolling adds up to about 1,700 feet of climbing. Parking and directions are in our Chattanooga guide.
CREW UP
Volunteer with Bad Beard Events
Our races run on volunteer power.
Course marshals, aid stations, packet pickup, finish-line cheer squads. You don't need experience. Bring a thermos, decent layers, and a willingness to clap loudly. We'll plug you in.