Highlands Sky Course Directions

The following narrative directions are intended for those who may wish to check out part or all of the course. Also consult the COURSE MAPS .  The section from Aid Station #7 to Aid Station #8 is difficult to follow unless you are familiar with the area.  If you have and questions please email me at irun@starband.net or call (304) 924-5835. Dan Lehmann

Direction to the Start can be found on the HIGHLANDS SKY DETAILS page.
 

Start to Aid Station #1 - 2.4 Miles
From the Start, proceed west, downstream on paved Rt. 45 for 1.4 miles to a sharp left turn onto Lanesville Road.  Continue 0.5 mile crossing bridge over Red Creek, then 0.2 mile to Flatrock Trail sign on left.

Aid Station #1 to #2 – 8.1 Miles (10.5 Total)
Go left on Flatrock Trail trail marked with a brown post with a faded blue diamond. Flatrock Trail ascends with switchbacks to the top of the mountain.  The course then picks up Roaring Plains Trail and bears left, still with blue diamonds. There are some small much less traveled side trails, but continue on the more heavily blue diamond trail.  At 10.5 miles emerge onto a gas line right of way and Aid Station #2.

Aid Station #2 to #3 - 5.5 Miles (16.0 Total)
Turn right for 100 feet and then left through gate on to Forest Service Rd. 70.  Proceed on FS 70  (no blue diamonds) .25 miles to Boars Nest Trail on left again marked with blue diamonds.  Continue through rocky plains and then descend with switchbacks still following blue diamonds.  After 1.5 miles and steep descent you will come to an old railroad grade. TURN RIGHT, DO NOT continue downhill on blue diamond trail.  Follow old RR grade around hillside eventually coming to a newer road and then South Prong Trail marked again with blue diamonds, no trail name signs though.  Climb 2.5 miles to Aid Station #3 at road. 

Aid Station #3 to #4 - 3.7 Miles (19.7 Total)
Cross road staying on trail and climb to top of ridge. After crossing 10 bridges over wetlands come to dirt road, FS 19.  Turn right, go 1 mile to intersection and keep left on FS 75.  Aid Station #4 is on right at parking area. 

Aid Station #4 to #5 - 3.0 Miles (22.7 Total)
Course then follows dirt road FS 75 north across Dolly Sods to Aid Station #5.

Aid Station #5 to #6 - 4.3 Miles (27.0Total)
Continue on FS 75.  At .25 miles before the final parking area at Bear Rocks on the north end of Dolly Sods is Aid Station #6.

Aid Station #6 to #7 – 5.9 Miles (32.9 Total)
From Aid Station #6 turn left, west on a unmarked Bear Rocks Trail, frequently used by horseback riders.   After 1 mile cross Dobbin Grade, and continue straight on Raven Ridge Trail. The trail climbs a few small hills, passes through open meadows and spruce thickets. At west side of Dolly Sods Raven bears left south and passes through a boulder section to eventually intersect jeep road, go right up grade to Aid Station #7.  

Aid Station #7 to #8 – 4.0 Miles (36.9 Total)
Proceed on Harman Trail (jeep road) south, eventually descending the rocky "wall of tears", keeping right until you come to the large wooden Dolly Sods Wilderness sign. Across old jeep road to west take an unmarked trail a hundred feet up to Timberline Ski slopes. Turn left uphill on Salamander Ski Slope. Approximately .5 miles up slope turn left onto a cx ski trail. Rough, steep bushwacked trail and butt-slide e descends steeply with switchbacks to the pump house on Idleman Run. Turn left crossing Run and continue on US Fish & Wildlife property road. This will T with another, turn right.  Proceed on dirt road to gate and Aid Station in lot on left.