FKT: Sam Rose - Stone Mtn Circumnavigation (GA) - 2021-12-22

Athletes
Route variation
either direction
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
38m 27s
GPS track(s)
Photos
Report

I really fell in love with this trail during the last COVID winter and was happy to learn it had an FKT. This was my third attempt to grab the FKT and finally found the right combination of pace and push. I started and ended at the sign for the Walk Up Trail in front of Confederate Hall and went counterclockwise, to follow the Strava segment and the other entries here. Weather was good, 51 degrees, but there were puddles and mud from the rain the day before. This is a real trail runner's trail with plenty of roots, rocks, and stream crossings, particularly in miles 2 and 3, which rollercoaster up and down on the banks of the lakes that are southwest of the mountain. There were a fair number of hikers and dogs to deal with, and I had to squeeze by a photoshoot on the narrow bridge around the gristmill. 

There's definitely athletes in the Atlanta area that can smash this time, so have at it. Bank a fast first mile on the downhill, don't worry about your pace on the technical miles 2 and 3, and then save enough for the less technical, but uphill, last bit.