Cohutta Races 2026

Cohutta Races 2026

Presented by Chainbuster Racing
Mountain Biking
Copperhill, TN
Apr 18, 2026
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About This Event

The Cohutta Races represent one of the Southeast’s most challenging mountain bike endurance tests, taking place in Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest. After a year’s hiatus, this Chainbusters-produced event returns with three demanding distance options: the flagship Cohutta 100, Big Frog 65, and Old Copper 30.

The Cohutta 100 delivers over 12,000 feet of elevation gain across a punishing mix of technical singletrack and demanding fire roads. The Big Frog 65 covers 65 miles with 7,890 feet of climbing, while the “manageable” Old Copper 30 still packs 3,753 feet of elevation into its 35-mile distance. These courses challenge both physical endurance and technical skill through the rugged Appalachian terrain.

As part of the National Ultra Endurance Series, the event attracts hundreds of determined racers from around the world who gather annually to test their limits. The race has been a staple on the endurance mountain bike scene for over a decade, building a reputation for both its difficulty and exceptional organization.

Six fully-stocked aid stations support riders throughout the course, with drop bag service available at four locations. Each participant can utilize three one-gallon drop bags strategically placed along the route. Course marshals and clear marking help navigate the challenging terrain, with “wrong way” indicators at critical intersections.

The event atmosphere combines serious endurance racing with strong community spirit. All finishers receive the traditional commemorative mug along with race tees and custom Handup gloves. A hearty post-race meal, music, and camaraderie cap off the challenging day, creating lasting connections among participants who’ve conquered these demanding Appalachian trails together.



the Cohutta 100 race logo
a happy finisher of the Cohutta 100 endurance mountain bike race
someone descending on their bike in the cohutta 100 endurance mountain bike race
person riding on single track on their mountain bike
two very muddy riders after finishing the race

National Ultra Endurance Race Series (NUE)

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The National Ultra Endurance Race Series (NUE)  is a premier mountain bike endurance racing series in the United States dedicated to testing the limits of mountain bikers on gruelling, long-distance courses. Established to cater to the growing demand for ultra-endurance mountain biking events, the series features a variety of races across the country, showcasing some of the most challenging and scenic terrain. Riders compete in categories such as Open Men, Open Women, Masters, and Single Speed, accumulating points throughout the season, with overall champions crowned at the end of the series.

Strambecco provides detailed profiles of each event in the series, which you can see below.  Here are brief descriptions of some prominent events in the National Ultra Endurance Race Series (NUE):

Mohican MTB 100 (Ohio)

Held in the beautiful Mohican State Park, the Mohican 100 is one of the most popular and accessible races in the NUE series. Riders traverse 100 miles of rolling hills, singletrack, and technical terrain through the Ohio wilderness. The race features a mix of fast-flowing sections and demanding climbs, making it a perfect early-season endurance test.

Wilderness 101 (Pennsylvania)

One of the oldest races in the series, Wilderness 101 takes riders through the rugged terrain of the Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests. With 101 miles of technical singletrack, fire roads, and rocky descents, the event is renowned for its challenging climbs and demanding technical sections, providing a true test of stamina and skill.

High Cascades 100 (Oregon)

This high-altitude race occurs in the stunning Cascade Mountains, offering riders an unforgettable experience on Bend’s premier trails. The High Cascades 100 is known for its mix of volcanic rock sections, smooth singletrack, and scenic views of the Cascade Range. The elevation and technical features add to the difficulty of this race, which is a favorite among experienced endurance racers.

Tatanka 100 (South Dakota)

Named after the Lakota word for buffalo, the Tatanka 100 brings riders to the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota. The course offers a variety of terrain, including steep climbs, rocky descents, and fast-flowing singletrack. This race also provides riders with spectacular views of the Black Hills National Forest, making it both a scenic and challenging event.

Shenandoah Mountain 100 (Virginia)

The Shenandoah Mountain 100 is a fan-favoritee event in the NUE series, held in the scenic George Washington National Forest. This race features long climbs, fast descents, and plenty of rocky and rooty singletrack, giving riders a tough but rewarding challenge. Known for its beautiful vistas and well-supported aid stations, it’s a popular race for elite competitors and weekend warriors.

Pierre’s Hole 100 (Wyoming)

Set in the breathtaking Teton Valley near the Grand Tetons, Pierre’s Hole 100 offers riders a mix of flowy singletrack, steep climbs, and technical descents. The high elevation and dramatic scenery make this race a standout in the series, while its challenging course tests both fitness and technical ability.

Each event in the NUE series provides a unique challenge, but they all share a common goal: pushing riders to their physical and mental limits across some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States.

Also presented by
Chainbuster Racing

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