THE SOUTHERN STATES 200
The Southern States 200 is the only known mountain trail, point-to-point 200-mile race east of the Rockies. Following the legendary Pinhoti Trail from near Dalton, Georgia to the summit of Mt. Cheaha — the highest point in Alabama — runners cover 202.41 miles with 27,933 feet of elevation gain.
The course is fully marked with prismatic reflective flags, ribbons, and signs. Runners have 100 hours to complete the journey.
Along the way, 15 fully staffed aid stations offer made-to-order hot food, served around the clock. Five of these stations double as heated sleep stations, complete with sleeping pads and bags in a dedicated tent. One additional unstaffed, water-only station is also available on course.
THE SOUTHERN STATES 100
Two Ways to Run the Southern States 100
Option 1 — Register for the 100-Mile Race
Start Friday at noon in Cave Spring and run the full 100-mile course to Bald Rock.
Option 2 — Register for the 100-Mile Pacer Race
Pace a 200-mile runner through the final 100 miles and earn your own finisher's buckle.
Pacers: Run Your Own Race While Supporting Your RunnerIf you're already pacing a 200-mile runner from Cave Spring to Bald Rock, why not make it official? Register for the 100-Mile Pacer Race and your miles count as an official 100-mile finish — complete with the coveted Southern States buckle.
- Start when your 200-mile runner departs Cave Spring — no need to toe the line at noon on Friday
- Your pacing miles count as your official finish
- Cross the line at Bald Rock and collect your buckle
What if your runner drops? You're free to continue on your own. You are not required to stay with your runner, and you'll still earn full credit for your finish and receive your buckle.
Note: The 100-Mile Pacer Race is its own category. Your time will not be combined with the noon-start 100-mile field.
Reserve a Room at Bald Rock Lodge
BEFORE YOU RESERVE AND PAY FOR A LODGE ROOM, CONTACT SOUTHERN STATES EVENTS TO CHECK AVAILABILITY.
We have reserved the Historic Bald Rock Lodge at Cheaha State Park again this year for the Finish Location of the SOUTHERN STATES 200 and 100. The lodge has 12 individual lodge rooms, each with a private bath, available to reserve for one, two, three, or 4 nights. You may reserve a room in advance for yourself or for your crew to use before you finish. The rooms may be reserved for the following nights: Thursday, March 18th, Friday, March 19th, Saturday, March 20th, and Sunday, March 21st.
100 MILERS: If you are running the SS100 without a crew, you will probably need to ride the shuttle to the start. You may rent a room in the lodge for Thursday night. Friday morning the shuttle will leave for Cave Spring at 7:30 AM from the front door of the Lodge.
The Fairfield Inn, Dalton GA, Host Hotel
The Fairfield Inn on College Dr. in Dalton is again Southern States 200 Host Hotel. Runners and crew will receive a reduced rate if you register through the link provided on the Southern States 200 website. Every year the Fairfield Inn is sold out by race date. There are a limited number of rooms available so don't wait. Those riding the shuttle to the start of the 200 must reserve a room at the hotel Tuesday Night.
VOLUNTEER
Organizing a point-to-point 200-mile race is, as you can imagine, a massive logistical undertaking — and none of it happens without an incredible volunteer team. To recognize that, we're offering what may be the most generous volunteer benefits of any race we know of.
Earn Credit Toward Your Entry
For every full day you volunteer (12-hour minimum), you earn $150 credit toward the following year's Southern States 200 or 100. Volunteer all 5 days and you'll receive a complimentary automatic entry into the next year's race.
Credits Are Transferable
Not a 200-mile runner yourself? No problem. Volunteer credits can be transferred to someone who is. If a crew member puts in a full day but has no interest in running 200 miles, they can pass that credit along to someone who does.
Running Clubs
Any running club that staffs an aid station will receive discounted entry for club members the following year. Individual club volunteers also earn the standard $150 credit per day worked.
A Few Important Details
- Volunteers must be registered at least 30 days before race day to be eligible for credit
- Volunteers must be officially accepted to earn credit
- Each 12-hour shift allows a maximum of 4 volunteers to earn credit
- Credits may only be applied to future Southern States Events Races
The Southern States 200 is an Endurance Adventure
The Southern States 200 is not a race. We want to emphasize that this is an awe-inspiring journey where the focus is on personal challenge, camaraderie, and self-discovery, rather than a traditional race with a competitive spirit. As you venture through the scenic and rugged landscapes, we encourage you to savor every moment, taking in the beauty of nature, pushing your limits, and supporting your fellow runners along the way. It's about testing your endurance, mental strength, and perseverance rather than striving for victory or rankings. Embrace the joy of running, embrace the journey, and remember that it's not about who finishes first, but rather the shared passion for exploration and the bond that forms between runners as they tackle this incredible adventure together. Let the trail guide you to new heights and may the memories you create on this trail run last a lifetime.
SS200 Date Change or Run Cancellation
Southern States 200 and Southern States 100 reserves the right to CHANGE the run date or CANCEL the run due to conditions beyond our control. Such conditions are: Acts of God, Pandemics, Other extreme conditions such as fire danger, landslides, or flooding on or near the course, Date changes or cancellation required by the permitting agencies granting the SS200 use of the National Forests, trails, State Parks or other agencies. If a date change or run cancellation is made after registration opens, no refunds will be given. For DATE CHANGES, all registered runners will be automatically moved to the new run date. Runners that are not able to run on the new run date, may request that their entry be transferred to the next year's Southern States 200 or 100 mile run. In the event of RUN CANCELLATION, all registered runners will be rolled over to the next year's Southern States 200 or 100 run.
Southern States Refund and Transfer Policy
Please read and understand our refund and transfer policy carefully before registering. The Southern States races are complex and expensive to produce — our costs begin months before race day and are based on runner count. These expenses are not recoverable if you drop, which is why our refund policy has firm deadlines.
Southern States 200 & 100 — Refund Policy
Tier 1: Full Refund
Cancel on or before January 1st and request a refund — you will receive 100% of your registration fee. Taxes and fees collected by UltraSignup are non-refundable.
Tier 2: Partial Refund
Cancel between January 2nd and 30 days before the event — you will receive 75% of your registration fee. Taxes and fees collected by UltraSignup are non-refundable.
Tier 3: No Refund
Cancel within 30 days of the event — no refund can be issued.
Southern States 200 & 100 — Entry Roll-Over Policy
Cancel on or before March 1st and request a roll-over — your entry will transfer to the following year's SS200 or SS100 at no additional cost.
Roll-overs are not available after March 1st of the race year.
Race Week Schedule
SOUTHERN STATES 200
Runners Without a Crew at the Start
You must ride the shuttle to the start. Note that we do not provide transportation from the finish back to the start.
Please Note: Tuesday night check-in is NOT mandatory. Runners may check in Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning.
Schedule for Runners Without a Crew (all times Eastern unless noted)
Tuesday, March 16th
12:00 Noon (Central) — Shuttle departs Cheaha State Park to the Fairfield Inn on College Drive, Dalton, Georgia. This is a 2.5-hour drive; note you will gain an hour changing time zones. Shuttle reservations must be made in advance on UltraSignup.
3:30 PM — Shuttle arrives at the Fairfield Inn in Dalton
3:30–5:00 PM — Runner check-in at the host hotel
~5:30 PM — Shuttle to a local restaurant for dinner (available only to those who rode the shuttle from Cheaha)
Wednesday, March 17th
10:00–10:30 AM — Shuttle from the Fairfield Inn to the start
11:45 AM — Pre-race briefing at the Mill Creek Meeting Center
12:00 Noon — Start of the Southern States 200
Schedule for Runners With a Crew at the Start (all times Eastern)
Tuesday, March 16th
3:30–5:00 PM — Optional runner check-in at the Fairfield Inn
Tuesday Night — Stay at the host hotel or any of the 13+ hotels on College Drive in the Dalton area
Wednesday, March 17th
9:30–11:30 AM — Packet pickup, SPOT Tracker pickup, and final check-in
9:30–11:30 AM — Drop bags in designated areas
11:45 AM — Pre-race briefing at the Mill Creek Meeting Center
12:00 Noon — Start of the Southern States 200
SOUTHERN STATES 100
Schedule for 100-Mile Runners Without a Crew
Friday, March 19th
7:30 AM (Central) — Shuttle departs Bald Rock Lodge, Cheaha State Park to the Cave Spring start. Shuttle reservations must be made in advance on UltraSignup.
9:30–11:30 AM (Eastern) — Runner check-in at race start
9:30–11:30 AM — Drop bags in designated areas
10:15 AM — Shuttle arrives at Rolater Park, Cave Spring, GA
11:45 AM — Race briefing at the SS200 Aid Station Pavilion
12:00 Noon — Start of the Southern States 100
Schedule for 100-Mile Runners With a Crew
Friday, March 19th
9:30–10:30 AM — Arrive at Rolater Park in Cave Spring
11:45 AM — Race briefing at the SS200 Aid Station Pavilion
12:00 Noon — Start of the Southern States 100
SOUTHERN STATES 200 & 100
Sunday, March 21st
4:00 PM Eastern (3:00 PM Central) — Final cutoff for all Southern States races
Event's current local time: 11:39 PM CT
