Mountain Athletes' Guide. 📗
Your complete guide to IronHike. Pick your Mountain below.
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Mohawk MountainCornwall, CT · USA · Open
📖 Table of Contents🏔️ The MountainMohawk Mountain Ski Area is a classic New England ski mountain set in the Litchfield Hills of northwestern Connecticut. IronHike rents the entire mountain for 4 days, turning it into a world-class vertical endurance venue: Base Camp, tent city, Summit Support Station, and an unrelenting slope that goes up and comes right back down.
The course follows the main Mohawk ski trail. It is well-marked and steep, about as steep as a flight of stairs that goes on for over half a mile. The lights go off after hours. Headlamp required from dusk to dawn. There is nowhere to hide on this Mountain. Every step up is earned. Every step down is yours to manage.
You will not be timed or tracked electronically. This is not a race. You summit and descend over and over again against the clock. The only scoreboard is your own Summit Token bucket at the Bell. And you will not be doing this alone: every Mountain Athlete on this course is earning the same vertical, one lap at a time.
↑ Back to TopMohawk Mountain Ski Area 46 Great Hollow Road · Cornwall, CT 06753
Cornwall sits deep in the Litchfield Hills: rolling hardwood forest, stone walls, and quiet back roads that look like a painting in every season. The kind of place you didn't know existed until you find yourself there at 2 a.m. with a headlamp on. 📍 View in Google Maps →📐 Course Stats↑ Back to Top595'Elevation Gain per Lap0.625 miAscent per Lap0.625 miDescent per Lap1.25 miTotal Miles per LapDay + NightTrekking ConditionsMohawkTrail Name📅 Typical Event ScheduleIronHike at Mohawk Mountain typically runs Wednesday through Sunday, four days of endurance on the Mountain with a closing ceremony Sunday afternoon. Longer Events start earlier in the week; shorter Events start Saturday. All Events share the same finish window and closing ceremony.
🏔️ Olympus Mons Ultra (Powered by Skratch Labs®) + Answer the Bell Ultra - FullCheck-in: Wednesday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM · To the Bell: 11:30 PM · Safety Briefing: 11:40 PM
Start: Midnight Wednesday / Thursday · Finish: Sunday at Noon🏔️ EverestCheck-in: Thursday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM · To the Bell: 11:30 AM · Safety Briefing: 11:40 AM
Start: Thursday at Noon · Finish: Sunday at Noon🏔️ DenaliCheck-in: Friday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM · To the Bell: 11:30 AM · Safety Briefing: 11:40 AM
Start: Friday at Noon · Finish: Sunday at Noon🏔️ KuwohiCheck-in: Saturday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Group Photo: 11:15 AM · To the Bell: 11:30 AM · Safety Briefing: 11:40 AM
Start: Saturday at Noon · Finish: Saturday at Midnight🏔️ Double Kuwohi + Answer the Bell Ultra - BasicCheck-in: Saturday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM · To the Bell: 11:30 AM · Safety Briefing: 11:40 AM
Start: Saturday at Noon · Finish: Sunday at Noon🎉 Closing CeremonySunday 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM · Awards and recognition · All Mountain Athletes welcome⚠️ Specific dates vary by Season. Visit the Register page and select your Series to see exact dates.
↑ Back to TopMountain weather is part of the Event. Pack for it. Plan for it. Earn it anyway.
⛺ Base Camp & ServicesIronHike sets up a full Base Camp at Mohawk Mountain for the duration of the Event. Here is what is on site:
↑ Back to Top🔔 The Course Core- The Bell & Base Turnaround: the heart of the Event. Every lap starts and ends here.
- Base Support Station: shade, fire pit, hydration, snacks, and Tribe camaraderie. Event clock visible from the turnaround.
- Summit Support Station: water and support at the top of every lap.
- Course Lighting: Base and Summit lit for night trekking. Headlamp still required after dusk.
🏕️ Camping & Setup- Tent City: group tenting area just off the course at Base. Bring your own tent.
- RVs, campers, and hammocks permitted. No hookups.
- Pop-Up Space: designated staging area for gear, coolers, and recovery setup.
- Coolers allowed. Store at Base, in your pop-up, or in your car.
🚿 Facilities- Restrooms: portable latrines at Base and Summit.
- Water Supply: potable spigot behind the Base lodge and at the Summit Support Station.
- Outdoor Shower: may be available on request.
- Free Parking: all Mountain Athletes and spectators.
👥 People & Support- Ski Patrol Medical Support: on-site for Mountain Athlete safety and emergency response throughout the Event.
- Spectator Area: dedicated space for your crew to cheer you on.
- Event Cadre: full IronHike and Mohawk Team on site throughout the Event.
🗺️ Course Map↑ Back to Top✓ What's Included With RegistrationHere is everything included with your IronHike registration.
- ⛺Tenting space on-Mountain, included for you and up to 6 spectators at no extra charge
- 🔥Base Support Station with shade, fire pit, hydration, snacks, and Tribe camaraderie
- 🏔️Summit Support Station: water and support at the top of every lap
- 🏅Personalized Event bib and Summit Tokens for lap tracking
- 🥇Finisher's medal and finisher's hat (all finishers)
- 💧Water, electrolyte drink mix, energy gels, and endurance snacks on course
- 📋Custom training plans via IronCoaching
- 📞Monthly Tribe Calls for pre-Event preparation and post-Event connection with the Cadre and fellow Mountain Athletes
- ⛰️Exclusive Mountain access for Mountain Athletes, Trail Buddies, Trail Families, and spectators
- 🚑Ski Patrol medical support throughout the Event
- 🎒Pop-Up Space: designated staging area at Base for gear, coolers, and recovery setup
- 💡Course Lighting: Base and Summit lit for night trekking
- 🅿️Free parking for Mountain Athletes and spectators
- 🤜A new Tribe. Bragging rights. Proof.
🎒 Packing ListTrekking is highly personal. You know what works for you. Based on past Events, here is what we strongly recommend. Items marked ✱ are mandatory.
↑ Back to Top👟 Footwear & Apparel- Trail runners, hiking boots, or sturdy running shoes with solid tread
- No cotton socks. Wool or synthetic only (Darn Tough recommended)
- Extra socks. Minimum 3 pairs. Wet terrain is likely.
- Short and long-sleeve shirts (quick-dry, no cotton)
- Shorts or hiking pants
- Windbreaker
- Warmer jacket for cold nights
- Neck buff
- Light gloves
- Hat or beanie
- No cotton undergarments
- Breathable rain jacket with hood
- Umbrella. Course is exposed and open, can be useful.
- Sunglasses and sunblock
⚙️ Essential Gear- Headlamp or affixed trail light. Must be on from dusk to dawn. No flashlights or phone lights.
- Reusable, refillable water vessel. No single-use bottles, cans, or cartons.
- Valid ID. Required for check-in. No exceptions.
- Day pack, running vest, or belt for water, snacks, Summit Tokens, and phone
- Trekking poles, any type. Some sections are steep. Strongly recommended.
- Wristwatch. Helps track lap pace.
- Cell phone, encouraged for safety on course. Go live, post, tag us.
- Charging brick or car charger
- Headphones or earbuds. Speakers not permitted on course.
- Bib belt, must be worn over gear. Provided free if needed.
- Pockets, pockets, pockets. Summit Tokens must be stored each lap.
🏕️ Tent & Sleep System- Tent. Tenting Mountain Athletes bring their own.
- Sleep pad and sleeping bag
- RVs, campers, and hammocking allowed. No hookups. Check with Cadre on arrival for setup.
- Mylar blankets available on site in case of chills.
- Lawn chair. Useful for breaks and downtime at Base.
- Coolers allowed. Store at Base, in your pop-up, or in your car.
🩹 First Aid & Recovery- Blister prevention supplies. Essential. Many Mountain Athletes have chewed-up feet by day 2.
- Body glide or anti-chafe balm
- Foot care kit, moleskin, tape, needles
- Ibuprofen or preferred pain management
- Any personal medications
- Ski Patrol medical support is on site for emergencies and Mountain Athlete assistance.
📋 Course RulesPlease observe the following rules at all times. The Event Producer may update these rules at any time to ensure safe and orderly event flow.
↑ Back to TopGeneral- Only registered Mountain Athletes, Cadre, Volunteers, and Mohawk Staff are permitted on the course.
- All personnel on the course must wear the proper wristband for identification.
- Foot traffic only. No bikes, scooters, or other vehicles.
- No pets on the course at any time.
Trekking & Lap Completion- Mountain Athletes must run, power-hike, hike, or walk from the Base turnaround to the Summit sign and back.
- A lap (a "Summit") consists of one trek up to the Summit sign and one descent back to the Base turnaround.
- After each lap, deposit one Summit Token in the bucket at the Bell.
- Mountain Athletes must NOT exit the course at any point except at the Base turnaround.
- Longer breaks must be taken OFF the course at Base after exiting at the turnaround.
FlexRelay Rules- Each Mountain Athlete may deposit only one Summit Token per lap.
- Tokens must be carried through the full summit and descent before being deposited, whether completing the lap alone, with a teammate, or as a full Team, in any order.
- Teams may trek one after the other OR together, but only one token per Mountain Athlete per lap counts toward Event completion.
Course Etiquette- No littering. Trek it in, trek it out.
- Do not touch or damage signage, clocks, flags, or course markers.
- Avoid shining white light into other Mountain Athletes' eyes when trekking at night.
- Re-enter the course ONLY at the Base turnaround.
- Use the portable latrines at Base and Summit. Do not use the woods.
IronHike Spirit- Earn it.
- Don't quit before taking a long break, grabbing some snacks, and seeking encouragement from your Tribe.
- You got this.
⚠️ Mandatory & ProhibitedMandatory
- Reusable Water Vessel
- Headlamp (dusk to dawn)
- Valid ID
- Signed Electronic Waiver
- Proper Wristband on Course
Prohibited
- Speakers (headphones only)
- Alcohol
- Smoking of any substance
- Open fires or personal fire pits
- Pets on course
- Non-registered Mountain Athletes on course
- Bikes, scooters, or vehicles on course
- Single-use hydration bottles
🧭 Getting HereMohawk Mountain Ski Area · 46 Great Hollow Road · Cornwall, CT 06753
Google Driving Directions →🚗 Click for Driving Directions.
↑ Back to TopHartford, CT~1 hrSpringfield, MA~1 hr 15 minProvidence, RI~1 hr 45 minAlbany, NY~1 hr 50 minNew York City~2 hr 20 minBoston, MA~2 hr 35 minPhiladelphia, PA~3 hr 30 minMontreal, QC~4 hr 15 min
📍 Local ResourcesCornwall is a small town. Plan ahead, resupply before you arrive, and know where things are.
↑ Back to Top
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Amicalola FallsDawsonville, GA · USA · Open
📖 Table of Contents🪜 The StaircaseAmicalola Falls State Park is home to one of the most iconic stair systems in the Southeast, set in the Blue Ridge foothills near Dawsonville, Georgia, at the official southern gateway to the Appalachian Trail. IronHike partners with the park for 4+ days, turning its historic staircase system into a world-class vertical endurance venue: HQ Bell Summit, tent city, and an unrelenting stairway that goes down and comes right back up.
The course follows the park's Upper Staircase, Lower Staircase, and Pool Trail, starting and finishing at HQ Bell Summit at the top. It is well-marked and steep: 604 stairs down to the Reflection Pool turnaround, then 604 stairs back up. The lights go off after hours. Headlamp required from dusk to dawn. There is nowhere to hide on this Staircase. Every step down is earned. Every step back up is yours to manage.
You will not be timed or tracked electronically. This is not a race. You descend and ascend over and over again against the clock. The only scoreboard is your own Summit Token bucket at the Bell. And you will not be doing this alone: every Mountain Athlete on this course is earning the same vertical, one lap at a time.
↑ Back to TopAmicalola Falls State Park 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road · Dawsonville, GA 30534
Dawsonville sits deep in the Blue Ridge foothills, home to the tallest cascading waterfall in the state and the southern gateway to the 2,197-mile Appalachian Trail. The kind of place where the mountain announces itself before you ever see it. 📍 View in Google Maps →📐 Course Stats↑ Back to Top604'Elevation Change per Lap0.75 miDescent per Lap0.75 miAscent per Lap1.5 miTotal Miles per LapDay + NightTrekking Conditions604Stairs per Lap📅 Typical Event ScheduleIronHike at Amicalola Falls typically runs Tuesday through Sunday, with a rest day built in before the final push to Sunday's closing ceremony. Longer Events start earlier in the week; shorter Events start Saturday. All Events share the same finish window and closing ceremony.
🪜 Olympus Mons Ultra (Powered by Skratch Labs®) + Answer the Bell Ultra - FullCheck-in: Tuesday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM · To the Bell: 11:30 PM · Safety Briefing: 11:40 PM
Start: Midnight Tuesday / Wednesday · Finish: Sunday at Noon🪜 EverestCheck-in: Wednesday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM · To the Bell: 11:30 AM · Safety Briefing: 11:40 AM
Start: Wednesday at Noon · Finish: Sunday at Noon🪜 DenaliCheck-in: Thursday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM · To the Bell: 11:30 AM · Safety Briefing: 11:40 AM
Start: Thursday at Noon · Finish: Sunday at Noon🪜 KuwohiCheck-in: Saturday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Group Photo: 11:15 AM · To the Bell: 11:30 AM · Safety Briefing: 11:40 AM
Start: Saturday at Noon · Finish: Saturday at Midnight🪜 Double Kuwohi + Answer the Bell Ultra - BasicCheck-in: Saturday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM · To the Bell: 11:30 AM · Safety Briefing: 11:40 AM
Start: Saturday at Noon · Finish: Sunday at Noon🎉 Closing CeremonySunday 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM · Awards and recognition · All Mountain Athletes welcome⚠️ Specific dates vary by Season. Visit the Register page and select your Series to see exact dates.
↑ Back to TopGeorgia mountain weather is part of the Event. Pack for it. Plan for it. Earn it anyway.
⛺ HQ & Base CampIronHike sets up a full HQ Base Camp at Amicalola Falls for the duration of the Event. Here is what is on site:
↑ Back to Top🔔 The Course Core- HQ Bell Summit & Turnaround: the heart of the Event. Every lap starts and ends here.
- Base Support Station: shade, hydration, snacks, and Tribe camaraderie at HQ. Event clock visible from the summit.
- Reflection Pool Turnaround: water and support at the bottom of every lap.
- Course Lighting: HQ and turnaround lit for night trekking. Headlamp still required after dusk.
🏕️ Camping & Setup- Tent City: group tenting area at HQ. Bring your own tent.
- RVs, campers, and hammocks permitted. No hookups.
- Pop-Up Space: designated staging area for gear, coolers, and recovery setup.
- Coolers allowed. Store at HQ, in your pop-up, or in your car.
🚿 Facilities- Restrooms: portable latrines at HQ and the turnaround.
- Water Supply: potable water available at HQ.
- Free Parking: all Mountain Athletes and spectators.
- On-Site Lodge: book a room at a special Mountain Athlete rate, call 706-344-1500 and mention code IronHike. Cabins and the park campground are also available for family and friends who'd rather not tent it.
👥 People & Support- Event Medical Support: on-site for Mountain Athlete safety and emergency response throughout the Event.
- Spectator Area: dedicated space for your crew to cheer you on.
- Dining nearby: Cascades Restaurant at the on-site Lodge, plus Dawsonville-area options (may vary by Season).
- Event Cadre: full IronHike and park Team on site throughout the Event.
🗺️ Course WaypointsAmicalola Falls Mountain Athletes descend the park's Upper Staircase, Lower Staircase, and Pool Trail from HQ Bell Summit down to the Reflection Pool turnaround, then climb back. Four key waypoints mark the way:
HQ Bell Summit · 2,550'Event headquarters. Every lap starts and finishes here.Viewing Bridge · 2,150'Midway down the descent.Base of Falls · 2,050'Alongside Amicalola Falls itself.Reflection Pool · 1,946'The turnaround. 604 feet of stairs down from HQ, 604 feet back up.The course is well-marked and monitored. You will not get lost. You will get tired.
↑ Back to Top✓ What's Included With RegistrationHere is everything included with your IronHike registration.
- ⛺Tenting space at HQ, included at no extra charge
- 🔥Base Support Station with shade, hydration, snacks, and Tribe camaraderie
- 🪜Reflection Pool turnaround support: water and support at the bottom of every lap
- 🏅Personalized Event bib and Summit Tokens for lap tracking
- 🥇Finisher's medal and finisher's hat (all finishers)
- 💧Water, electrolyte drink mix, energy gels, and endurance snacks on course
- 📋Custom training plans via IronCoaching
- 📞Monthly Tribe Calls for pre-Event preparation and post-Event connection with the Cadre and fellow Mountain Athletes
- ⛰️Exclusive park access for Mountain Athletes, Trail Buddies, Trail Families, and spectators
- 🚑Event medical support throughout the Event
- 🎒Pop-Up Space: designated staging area at HQ for gear, coolers, and recovery setup
- 💡Course Lighting: HQ and turnaround lit for night trekking
- 🅿️Free parking for Mountain Athletes and spectators
- 🤜A new Tribe. Bragging rights. Proof.
🎒 Packing ListTrekking is highly personal. You know what works for you. Based on past Events, here is what we strongly recommend. Items marked ✱ are mandatory.
↑ Back to Top👟 Footwear & Apparel- Trail runners or hiking boots with solid grip for stairs. Traction is critical, especially wet.
- No cotton socks. Wool or synthetic only (Darn Tough recommended)
- Insulated gloves, required for cold nights and handrail grip on the Staircase.
- Extra socks. Minimum 3 pairs. Wet stairs are likely.
- Short and long-sleeve shirts (quick-dry, no cotton)
- Shorts or hiking pants
- Windbreaker
- Warmer jacket for cold nights. Georgia mountain temperatures can dip into the 30s.
- Neck buff
- Hat or beanie
- No cotton undergarments
- Breathable rain jacket with hood
- Sunglasses and sunblock
⚙️ Essential Gear- Headlamp or affixed trail light. Must be on from dusk to dawn. No flashlights or phone lights.
- Reusable, refillable water vessel. No single-use bottles, cans, or cartons.
- Valid ID. Required for check-in. No exceptions.
- Cell phone, required for safety on course. Tether it to your person with a lanyard or similar device at all times. The Staircase does not forgive a dropped phone.
- Day pack, running vest, or belt for water, snacks, Summit Tokens, and phone
- Trekking poles, strongly recommended for stair descent load management
- Wristwatch. Helps track lap pace.
- Charging brick or car charger
- Headphones or earbuds. Speakers not permitted on course.
- Bib belt, must be worn over gear. Provided free if needed.
- Pockets, pockets, pockets. Summit Tokens must be stored each lap.
🏕️ Tent & Sleep System- Tent. Tenting Mountain Athletes bring their own.
- Sleep pad and sleeping bag rated for cold nights
- RVs, campers, and hammocking allowed. No hookups. Check with Cadre on arrival for setup.
- Mylar blankets available on site in case of chills.
- Lawn chair. Useful for breaks and downtime at HQ.
- Coolers allowed. Store at HQ, in your pop-up, or in your car.
🩹 First Aid & Recovery- Blister prevention supplies. Essential. Stair descents chew up feet fast.
- Body glide or anti-chafe balm
- Foot care kit, moleskin, tape, needles
- Ibuprofen or preferred pain management
- Any personal medications
- Event medical support is on site for emergencies and Mountain Athlete assistance.
📋 Course RulesPlease observe the following rules at all times. The Event Producer may update these rules at any time to ensure safe and orderly event flow.
↑ Back to TopGeneral- Only registered Mountain Athletes, Cadre, Volunteers, and Park Staff are permitted on the course.
- All personnel on the course must wear the proper wristband for identification.
- Foot traffic only. No bikes, scooters, or other vehicles.
- No pets on the course at any time.
Trekking & Lap Completion- Mountain Athletes must run, power-hike, hike, or walk from HQ Bell Summit down to the Reflection Pool turnaround and back.
- A lap (a "Summit") consists of one descent to the Reflection Pool turnaround and one climb back to HQ.
- After each lap, deposit one Summit Token in the bucket at the Bell.
- Mountain Athletes must NOT exit the course at any point except at HQ.
- Longer breaks must be taken OFF the course at HQ.
FlexRelay Rules- Each Mountain Athlete may deposit only one Summit Token per lap.
- Tokens must be carried through the full descent and climb before being deposited, whether completing the lap alone, with a teammate, or as a full Team, in any order.
- Teams may trek one after the other OR together, but only one token per Mountain Athlete per lap counts toward Event completion.
Course Etiquette- No littering. Trek it in, trek it out.
- Do not touch or damage signage, clocks, flags, or course markers.
- Avoid shining white light into other Mountain Athletes' eyes when trekking at night.
- Re-enter the course ONLY at HQ.
- Use the portable latrines at HQ and the turnaround. Do not use the woods.
IronHike Spirit- Earn it.
- Don't quit before taking a long break, grabbing some snacks, and seeking encouragement from your Tribe.
- You got this.
⚠️ Mandatory & ProhibitedMandatory
- Reusable Water Vessel
- Headlamp (dusk to dawn)
- Valid ID
- Signed Electronic Waiver
- Proper Wristband on Course
Prohibited
- Speakers (headphones only)
- Alcohol
- Smoking of any substance
- Open fires or personal fire pits
- Pets on course
- Non-registered Mountain Athletes on course
- Bikes, scooters, or vehicles on course
- Single-use hydration bottles
🧭 Getting HereAmicalola Falls State Park · 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road · Dawsonville, GA 30534
Google Driving Directions →🚗 Click for Driving Directions.
↑ Back to TopAtlanta, GA~1 hr 15 minChattanooga, TN~1 hr 30 minNashville, TN~3 hr 15 minCharlotte, NC~3 hr 30 min📍 Local ResourcesDawsonville is a small town. Plan ahead, resupply before you arrive, and know where things are.
↑ Back to Top🏥 Nearest HospitalNortheast Georgia Medical Center Lumpkin
495 Highway 400, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 · ~20 miles / ~30 min
🎯 Not Registered Yet?Seven Events. 12 to 84 hours. Solo, Trail Buddy, or Trail Family. Your Mountain is waiting.
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