The Fort Mountain Wilderness holds a raw, untamed spirit that draws trail runners ready to test their limits. Trail Running the Dragon is not a casual jaunt; it demands grit and respect as its rugged miles wind over rocky ridges and through dense forests that seem to breathe around you. The trail stretches approximately 15 miles one-way with a cumulative elevation gain of nearly 3,000 feet, offering a serious workout with rewards at every turn.

Starting from Fort Mountain State Park near Blairsville, Georgia, the Dragon Trail kicks off with forested climbs where towering pines and oaks dare you forward, shadows shifting as if alive. The terrain is a mix of rocky outcrops, steep ascents, and rolling singletrack that slips through rhododendron thickets and along the edges of granite bluffs. Water crossings punctuate the run, with streams pushing underfoot, inviting a refreshing splash before the hard work resumes.

The high points unfold in wide-open views where the mountains stretch into blue distance, the wind crossing the ridges like a silent guide. These moments offer a chance to catch your breath and calibrate—trail running here isn’t about speed alone but engagement. The challenge demands solid footing, steady pacing, and preparation against sudden weather shifts that can turn sunny skies gray quickly.

Hydration packs are a must; the remoteness means no water refill points after the first few miles. Footwear with robust tread and ankle support will help with the crunchy leaf piles and loose rock underfoot, reducing the risk of slips or twists. Early morning starts are best to avoid afternoon heat and to experience the forest waking with birdsong and the clean smell of earth and pine.

This isn’t a trail for beginners, yet it rewards every effort with a real sense of connection to a wilderness fiercely itself, where nature moves around and beneath your feet with a slow but certain power. Whether you pause at a lookout to absorb the panorama or push through a tough incline, the Dragon runs deep into the body and mind, inviting you back for more rugged miles and wild horizons.