This 103-mile single-loop trail race completes the Pennsylvania Triple Crown of mountain running, circumnavigating Pine Creek through the remote wilderness of the Allegheny Plateau in north-central Pennsylvania. The course consists of 98% single and double-track trails, incorporating sections of the renowned Mid State Trail and Black Forest Trail.

The Eastern States presents a formidable challenge with over 20,000 feet of elevation gain across technical Rocksylvania terrain. Runners face long, steep climbs and demanding descents while navigating the heat and humidity of mid-August weather. The course’s remote sections through the Pine Creek watershed add to both the beauty and difficulty of the experience.

Starting at 5:00 am from Little Pine State Park, participants have 36 hours to complete the loop, with cutoffs enforcing the Sunday 5:00 pm deadline. The race requires qualification through a sub-16-hour 50-mile trail race or completion of any ultra beyond 50 miles within official cutoff times.

As the final leg of the Pennsylvania Triple Crown, this event attracts serious ultrarunners seeking both a qualifying opportunity for Western States 100 and UTMB World Series events. The post-race atmosphere centers around race central at Little Pine State Park, where runners enjoy exclusive food selections alongside standard fare from local vendors.

Veterans describe the Eastern States as a true test of wilderness running skills, where technical terrain and sustained climbing separate finishers from DNFs. The Pine Creek setting, historically significant as the river that supplied lumber to build America, provides a stunning backdrop for what many consider one of the most challenging 100-milers in the eastern United States.