Eastern States: Blackout 2026

Why be afraid of the dark?

Eastern States: BLACKOUT is a three-night deep dive into what makes the Eastern States 100 such a beast — the night.

This camp isn’t about chasing miles or stacking vert for Instagram. It’s about showing up prepared. You’ll run the same rugged, remote sections you’ll face on race weekend, but under the safety net of a camp designed to help you learn, adapt, and grow more confident with every mile.

There’s nothing simulated here. Just you, the PA Wilds, and a headlamp.

Night Runs

Each night features a different stretch of the Eastern States 100 course — real trails, real distance, real darkness. Routes are subject to change, but will likely include 10–20 mile point-to-point segments on the ES100 course.

All runs begin at 8:00 PM. These aren’t loops or short training laps — they’re long, rugged stretches with minimal support, designed to replicate race-night conditions.

Expect what Eastern States is known for: steep climbs, rocky singletrack, dense forest, creek beds, and long descents that challenge your footing and focus. This is your chance to build confidence with your gear, pacing, and mindset when it matters most — after dark.

NIGHT 1 — Hyner to Big Trail

Opt-out & aid available at: Dry Run Mileage: 13.4 mi Gain: 3,246 ft Loss: 1,938 ft

Hyner Run to Dry Run – 8.0 mi | +2,416 ft / –1,069 ft You’ll climb from Hyner Run via gentle-grade trail before the profile punches up. Expect long, steady climbs and narrow, tilted bench-cut trail as you enter the heart of the Bald Eagle State Forest. Ridge running leads to sharp descents into hollows, ending at the well-lit Dry Run Aid Station—your first opt-out.

Dry Run to Big Trail – 5.4 mi | +830 ft / –869 ft From Dry Run, it’s back into the woods. A climb out of Baldwin Branch meets a short but steep pitch. Trail surfaces vary from rocky to rooty. Look out for a fast downhill into a road crossing before climbing up to Big Trail Aid. This segment offers chances to cruise if you time your effort well.

NIGHT 2 — Tomb Flats to Blackwell

Opt-out & aid available at: Cedar Run Mileage: 17.6 mi Gain: 2,943 ft Loss: 2,815 ft

Tomb Flats to Cedar Run – 9.8 mi | +1,683 ft / –1,483 ft Start on the scenic but deceptive Pine Creek Rail Trail, cross the water at Slate Run, then start the real work. The Algerine and Black Forest Trails bring extended climbs and unrelenting rocks. By mile seven, you'll descend steep switchbacks on the remote Fire Line Trail into Cedar Run—a quiet, optional outpost if your night starts slipping.

Cedar Run to Blackwell – 7.8 mi | +1,260 ft / –1,332 ft A slick, rocky climb out of Cedar Run transitions into a rewarding stretch of the West Rim Trail. It's technical, but the footing improves. You’ll pass an exposed overlook before descending sharply to Blackwell—a long drop that demands full focus in the dark.

NIGHT 3 — Big Trail to Tomb Flats

Mileage: 6.3 mi Gain: 1,397 ft Loss: 2,765 ft

Big Trail to Tomb Flats – 6.3 mi | +1,397 ft / –2,765 ft The final blow. You’ll ride the Big Trail ridge, then hammer into the deep descent—2,700 feet of quad-taxing technical drop. This section is all downhill, on some of the most rugged tread of the course. When you hit Tomb Flats, the night ends—or begins again.

Support & Logistics

This is a supported camp — not a fully aided event.

Transportation is provided to and from each run segment. You’ll get a light meal before heading out and a full breakfast back at the lodge after each night’s effort.

On course, support is limited. Each night includes one staffed aid station — Dry Run on Night 1, Cedar Run on Night 2. There is no aid on Night 3. These stations offer basic resupply and serve as optional drop points if needed. Plan to carry everything you need between trailheads, including fluids, nutrition, lights, and weather-appropriate layers.

Expect stretches of 8 to 10 miles without access to aid. These extended self-supported sections are intentional — they mimic race conditions and help build confidence in managing gear, pace, and fueling.

Back at basecamp, recovery is the focus. Whether you’re warming up by the fire, refueling with a hot meal, or catching up on sleep, this time is meant to help you reset and prepare for the next outing.

Camp Experience

BLACKOUT is about learning by doing — but you're not doing it alone. Between runs, you’ll return to the rustic Ponderosa Lodge, where you’ll share meals, recovery time, and stories with other runners preparing for the same goal: to finish Eastern States smarter and stronger.

Daytimes are left open by design. Want to ride the Pine Creek Rail Trail? Paddle a kayak? Catch a quick nap or join a casual clinic on gear or fueling? All optional. You do what your body needs.

Registration includes three nights at the lodge (single-person bed), transportation to and from each run segment, pre-run light meals, breakfast each morning, and full access to optional daytime activities.

Included:

• Three nights lodging at Ponderosa Lodge (single-person bed)
• Transportation to and from all night run segments
• Pre-run light meals each evening
• Hearty breakfasts each morning
• Optional daytime activities and informal clinics

Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance (ESTEA)

The Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance exists to promote trail running and the responsible use of public lands. Through the stewardship of the Eastern States 100, Ironstone 100K, and Eagleton Trail Challenge, we manage our races as a public trust—held for the benefit of trail runners, the communities that host us, and the landscapes that make these experiences possible.

Event's current local time: 1:30 PM ET