3rd Annual Holiday 50 Miler
December 26 – 31, 2026
registration live
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-50miler-december-26-31–2026
Join us for the 2026 Holiday 50 Miler @ the Uwharrie National Forest.
We are celebrating the forest’s 65th anniversary!
The adventure starts and ends at Yates Place Campground, but along the way, you will see beautiful places that are only seen in the Uwharrie National Forest. This trek is an intense, high-adventure experience in cold weather open to youth and adults with backpacking experience. Many youth organizations have been invited, including the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Trail Life, and 4-H.
To earn the event patch, you must complete the 50 miler
**NO EXCEPTIONS**
Location:
Yates Place Campground (site is on a curve
700 Dusty Level Road
Troy, NC 27371
Youth Requirements
- Because this is considered a heavy physical level outing, we require the following for all youth participants:
- 14 years of age or older
- Experienced backpacking, especially in cold weather (it can drop into the teens)
- Understand all the physical aspects of the event. We recommend that you must be able to hike with a minimum of 30lb on your back comfortable. Be able to backpack minimum 12 miles per day for 4 days.
- Each participant must have a health form stating you are physically able to participate .Can use sports physical,scouting,trail life, or you can use ours must be signed by a doctor
- Signed Waiver, Release, and Hold Harmless Agreement
- Parent/Guardian **Signature required for all participants under 18**
- Youth without a signature cannot participate and must return home !!!!!! Required by our insurance
- If you cannot complete the adventure, you must contact your family to pick you up.
For all youth groups: The appropriate number of male/female adult leaders must be included for your group on and off the trail.
***Staff will not be providing leadership to correct deficiencies in your group***
Adult Requirement
Because this is considered a heavy physical level outing, we require the following for all adult participants:
- Experience with backpacking, especially in cold weather (can go down into teens).
- Understand all the physical aspects of the event. We recommend that you must be able to hike with a minimum of 30lb on your back comfortable. Be able to backpack minimum 12 miles per day for 4 days.
- Each participant must have a health form stating you are physically able to participate .Can use sports physical,scouting,trail life, or you can use ours must be signed by a doctor
- Waiver, Release, And Hold Harmless Agreement **Signature required**
No signature, you cannot participate!!!!!!Required by our insurance!
For all youth groups: The appropriate number of male/female adult leaders must be included for your group on and off the trail.
***Staff will not be providing leadership to correct deficiencies in your group***
Personal items and equipment:
Participants are responsible and liable for their items, possessions, and equipment. Electronic devices, including cell phones, are not required for youth participants. If you need the ability to recharge any device, you must bring it and carry it on the trail.
| $50 | Jan 1 to October 31, 2026 |
| $60 | November 1 to 30, 2026 |
| $75 | December 1 to 18, 2026 |
| $100 | December 19 to 24, 2026 |
NO REFUNDS AFTER NOVEMBER 1ST
Information site – SummitAdventure.org
Online Registration is live https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-50miler-december-26-31–2026
| Check-In: | December 26, 2 pm |
| Group Meeting: | December 26, 5:00 pm |
| Wake up: | Daily at 6 am |
| Start Time on Trail: | 7:00 am |
| Quick lunch: | As in no cook / cold lunch |
All hikers and staff are required to attend the Group Meeting on December 26.
Sundown is considered 5:00 pm
Everyone off the trail and in camp before dark
Trail dates: December 27 – December 30
Departure: December 31, 7 am or before
Follow the 50-mile trail map.
Participants must always stay on the trail provided for the 50 miler. If search and rescue is needed, we must be able to tell them your route and approximate location. If you need help, please wait for the staff to find you. Make sure you bring a whistle.
No Blue Blazing: If you go off trail, YOU MAY get charged by the county for search and rescue.
Medical
Medical staff will be in camp and on the trails to evaluate and assist hikers with their medical needs. Medical staff determinations are final, and prioritize the comfort, health, safety and viability of all hikers and staff.
IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE LET US KNOW!!!
For emergency care, the nearest hospital is located in Troy, NC:
First Health
20 Allen Street Troy, NC 27371 Phone: 910-571-5000
Hygiene – Backpackers must stay clean and healthy in the backcountry. The dirtier you become, the more likely you will become sick, get an infection, or sustain an injury. The best ways to stay clean include changing clothes regularly (especially socks and underwear), brushing your teeth, washing your hands after using a restroom, washing and sanitizing your hands before each meal, and adequately washing, rinsing, and sanitizing your dishes.
Wearing the same dirty clothes day after day can lead to severe problems. For example, if you wear the same socks four days straight, your chances of getting severe blisters are much more significant, making your trek more difficult.
FIRST AID
Dehydration
Prevent: Drink plenty of water and sports drinks during strenuous hiking and hot/dry weather – a hiker must drink several liters a day. Alternating between water and sports drinks will help replace essential electrolytes and fluids lost during strenuous hiking.
Recognize: Headache, fatigue, and nausea are early signs of dehydration. More severe signs of dehydration may include dizziness, vision changes, difficulty walking, and altered level of consciousness. Advanced medical care may be required if someone cannot keep adequate fluid inside their body.
Treat: It is essential to begin treating dehydration as soon as you recognize the symptoms.
Prevent the dehydration from becoming worse by resting and staying out of the heat. Dress in layers. Rehydrating with water or a half-strength sports drink: full-strength sports drinks may cause an upset stomach in an already sickened patient, but a half-strength sports drink will still provide needed electrolytes for the dehydrated patient.
Blisters & Prevention:
Prevent Blisters are caused by the heat resulting from friction and rubbing between the shoe and the foot. Wearing well-broken boots and good-fitting, clean hiking socks will prevent friction and blisters. Hikers should recognize a “hot spot” and take steps to treat them before they become blisters.
- Recognize: Blisters are areas of irritated and painful skin where fluid and blood begin to collect, which can be very painful.
- Treat: If a blister forms, do not pop or drain it. Use moleskin to create a cushion to protect the blister by cutting a hole in the middle of the pad slightly larger than the blister. Place the moleskin over the affected area so that the blister is surrounded by the bandage but not covered. This will reduce the friction between the blister and the sock, preventing the blister from getting any larger. If the blister pops on its own, ensure the area stays clean and covered and watch for signs of infection.Heat-Related Illness
Prevent: Climate can reach temperatures above 70F and drop close to freezing at night. Hikers must be prepared with appropriate equipment and anticipate the potential for extreme/ low temperatures. Take frequent breaks, avoid wearing dark or tight-fitting clothing, and stay hydrated. - Recognize: Signs of heat illness can vary widely from profuse sweating, red skin, elevated temperature, and irritability to more severe symptoms such as altered level of consciousness and seizures.
- Treatment: Sit in the shade and hydrate with a half-strength sports drink to replenish fluids and electrolytes. If heat exhaustion is treated appropriately, heat stroke will not occur. Heat stroke, a life-threatening condition, is when a person’s body temperature gets too high, and the body can no longer cool itself. Heat stroke patients may exhibit an altered level of consciousness, have seizures, and die if not treated quickly.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider the impacts they leave behind, which will undoubtedly affect other people, water, and wildlife. - The Basics:
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled food. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Burning trash is never recommended.
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
Bury toilet paper deep in a cathole or pack the toilet paper out along with hygiene products.
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
Gear Guide (This is only a guide)All gear you carry should weigh NO more than 20% of your body weight (.20 X your weight = ).
ABSOLUTELY NOpacks over 50 lbs. * * Youth or Adult * *
Basic Gear List and Ideas/
What you need to bring ***This is only a guide update 2026***
* * * Know how to use your gear before going on the trail. * * *
Backpack
____backpack ____Pack Cover **ease to get to**
____Tent or (hammock with cold weather systems) ____Sleeping bag 20F
____sleeping pad ____Flashlight/Lantern
____pillow or use your coat (optional) ____trekking poles (optional)
____tent footprint (ground cover) ____daypack
clothing
____Appropriate clothing for the weather –dress in layers—
____Rain gear **ease to get to** ____ziplock (clothes and food bags keep dry)
____Socks (synthetic or wool) min 5 ____underwear moisture-wicking
____shirts moisture-wicking ____pants/shorts quick-drying
____long sleeve shirt ____lightweight fleece or jacket
____warm hat ____ long underwear
____warm insulated jacket ____ trash bag
____boots ____Gloves
____Change of clothing and shoes for when you head home.
Water
____hot cup hot drink tea, cocoa, coffee, etc.(on the trail and feast on December 30)
____Nalgene bottle 1qt (put mix drink in Electrolyte powders)____water bladder 2L on trail _____water filter (know how to use it)
___Electrolyte powders (suggest 1 lunch and 1 dinner )
Liquid I.V., LMNT, Ultima Replenisher, and Gatorade,Pedialyte etc…
cooking
____Stove (know how to use it) ____gas
____cookset ____eating utensils spoon knife fork
____Biodegradable soap ____hand sanitizer
____Lighter/matches (in waterproof container)
____small first aid kit ____ multi-tool or knife
Food: meals and snacks for the trail _____5 breakfast______5 lunch ______4 dinner
_____snacks for the trail
hygiene and health
_____toothbrush and toothpast _____Toilet paper –better than leaves
_____ meds _____glasses
_____feminine hygiene(females) _____Whistle – get a good one
_____Shovel “for number 2” (remember, the ‘stuff’ never touches the shovel)
______Phone or small camera to take pictures of your adventure to share with the unit/family
**This is only a guide**
ASSORTED TIDBITS
Please check the weather, plan ahead for clothes, etc… “Troy NC 27371.”
CampfiresAll fires must be put out at night. Before you go on the trail, ensure all fires are “COLD”.
Staff Communication
All staff have cellphones with GPS turned on to track others. We also have amateur “ham” radios to help with the safety and well-being of hikers/staff.
We are here to help you stay safe.
If you are a licensed amateur radio operator, ask the staff for the frequencies used in the event of an emergency.
Meals
Pack all food in your pack. Pack all trash in your pack.
14 Meals you need to bring
| breakfast | lunch | dinner | ||
| December 26 | 1 | 1 | Two meals | |
| December 27 – 29 | 3 | 3 | 3 | Nine meals |
| December 30 | 1 | 1 | Two meals | |
| December 31 | 1 | One meal |
The staff will be providing dinner on December 30. It will be a feast to remember.
- BBQ Chicken
- side dishes: mashed potatoes with butter, sour cream, milk, cream cheese
- green beans with butter, onions
- corn, butter
- salad mix veggies
- dressing: ranch, Italian
- Apples sauce with cinnamon / brown sugar
- cobblers: apple pie filling, peach, butter, cake mix
**Notice some items may be added or changed at the last minute.
We make every effort to ensure enough food for the feast on December 30. If you have any food allergies. Please bring your own food, as we will have limited capabilities. We must have accurate attendance numbers to ensure enough food and accommodate as many folks as possible. For this reason, we cannot offer refunds after November 1.
EXAMPLES
Breakfast Examples
oatmeal
pop tarts
Tea, cocoa, coffee (whatever you like)
Lunch Examples – No hot lunchesMake your own Trail mix (goldfish, nuts, M&M’s, raisins, sunflower seeds, etc. or make up your own)
granola bars, dried sausage, crackers, cheese, meal bars
Dinner ExamplesPackages, meals-wise, food, mountain house, etc.
quick cook food
Stuff Not To BringNO Canned food (weight) or canned drinks (weight)
No alcohol
No illegal drugsNO FIREWORKS
WaterThere are creeks and streams throughout the trails. A water filter or purification system is required if you use water from these sources during the day. Water will be provided at the base camp and the sub-camps. A Sawyer water filter is less expensive. Teach those in your unit how to use it BEFORE getting to the trailhead.
Cell Phone Coverage
Expect your phone to be dead in a few hours, looking for a signal. It is spotty at best, so Be Prepared. Use airplane mode to conserve power. Bring an alternate recharging source with you.
Questions and Answer
Q: ARE there food drop-off points
A: NO, you must carry all of your food
Q: Are you coming back to base camp
A: Last day only December 30
Q: My unit is not affiliated with Summit Adventure INC. Can they still come to the 50 miler?
A: Yes, This trek is open to youth and adults, Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, Trail Life, etc., and those with backpacking experience in cold weather.
Q: Is there power in trees to charge my phone?
A: Really??
Q: Will there be medical staff on 50 miler?
A: YES, just let them know if you need anything.
Q: Is this an excellent place to prepare for Philmont, Northern Tier, and Appalachian Trail?
A: YES, very much so
Q: IS there water in the base and sub-camp?
A: Yes, we will bring water to you
Q: DO I have to follow the trail that is made out for the 50 milers?
A: It’s for your safety. Ensure you are at each checkpoint.
Q: What are we paying for?
A: Patch, food at the feast, insurance, propane, etc…
Q: Where do I put my trash at?
A: Yates has trash cans
Q: How many holiday 50milers have the staff run?
A: 2018 Occoneechee Council, 2019 Crew 75,
2022 American Legion Post 116
2024 – 2026 Summit Adventure Inc
Talent Release Form
I hereby assign and grant “Summit Adventure Inc” the right and permission to use and publish the photographs/film/videotapes/electronic representations and/or sound recordings made of me this date by the , and I hereby release the “Summit Adventure Inc” from any and all liability from such use and publication.
I hereby authorize the reproduction, sale, copyright, exhibit, broadcast, electronic storage, and/or distribution of said photographs / film/ videotapes/electronic representations and/or sound recordings without limitation at the discretion of the “Summit Adventure Inc” and I specifically waive any right to any compensation I may have for any of the foregoing.
Add on 50 miler Facebook page.
Summit Adventure’s Facebook page
YouTube coming soon
Official site www.SummitAdventure.org
Uwharrie History
Discover the Uwharrie National Forest, one of four national forests in North Carolina. The forest is named after the Uwharrie Mountains, which is known as the oldest range in North America. The prevalence of metavolcanic rocks has led geologists to surmise that a chain of volcanoes created the area’s mountains, once much higher but eroded over time into 1,000-foot peaks. Archaeologists have found human habitation in the Uwharrie Mountains spanning over 10,000 years. In 1790-1791, explorer John Lawson chronicled Native American tribes, plants, animals, and geology in his journals, later published as A New Voyage to Carolina. He called the river “Heighwaree,” and later explorers called it “Uharie.”
History of the Uwharrie Trails
Northern Section History- Tot Hill (airport) to Jumping off Rock The northern Uwharrie Trail was started in the late 1960s by Joe Moffitt, the Scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop in Asheboro, North Carolina. As a Scoutmaster, Mr. Moffitt sought a local 50-mile (80.5-km) hiking trail for his scouts to earn their 50 Miler award. Who knew, right??
Contact Info Greg “Packman” Carpenter
Hike Master 2019-2026
[email protected]
Summit Adventure Inc. is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. Donations support us and are tax deductible.
special use permit
with Uwharrie National Forest
Registration live 2025
