CLICK HERE FOR A GOOGLE MAP SHOWING SPECTATOR HIKING/PARKING
Unless you are an extremely experienced backcountry hiker we DO NOT recommend spectating this event. The Green River Narrows is no place for small children or pets. The rocks are slick, the river is extreme and danger abounds. We have had serious injuries, from concussions to broken legs, resulting from spectators attempting to watch the race. Spectate in this savage arena AT YOUR OWN RISK.
The Green Race is free to spectate and no pass is required to hike in and watch the race.
It is illegal to drink alcohol within 50 feet of the river in Polk County (anything below Go Left). Please hike out all trash you bring into the gorge.
**Sunset it at 6:30 PM**
Festival Hike(Cove Creek Trailhead) Directions
The NRS Green Race Awards Party will be in the cove and is right at the trailhead of the Green River Cove Trail. Avoid the parking and avoid the crowds by hiking this route. This route does still require you to go down the steep section off of Pulliam Creek Trail. Address: 3851 Green River Cove Road, Saluda, NC 28773.
*Festival pass must be purchased to park at the festival
Cove Creek Trail Head Directions: From I-26 take the Saluda exit and get on Holbert Cove Road. Take an almost immediate left onto Green River Cove Road. The Festival parking is 4 miles down Green River Cove Road on your left.
Hiking Directions: The hike begins at Green River Cove Trailhead (right at the Green Race Festival site). Stay on Green River Cove Trail for 2.73 miles. Take a left at the Pulliam Creek/Bear Branch intersection. The Pulliam Creek Trail begins .23 miles before this intersection. roughly 0.5 miles past the Pulliam Creek/Bear Branch Intersection you will the steep trail on your left head down to the narrows (this is the same steep trail as the Pulliam Creek Trail hike).
Pulliam Creek Trailhead
Please remember when parking you must be completely off the road and have all 4 tires on the right side of the white line.
Pulliam Creek Trailhead Directions: From I-26 near Hendersonville, take Upward Rd (exit 53) and go east(away from Hendersonville) about 1.7 miles to Big Hungry Rd (SR1802). Continue east on Big Hungry Road-follow it left at the first Y intersection and then right at the second Y intersection. The trailhead will be about 3 miles down the road after you have cross Big Hungry Creek. Look for the Pulliam Creek Trailhead on the right. Make sure to park will all tires off the road and on the right side of the white line.
Hiking Directions: The hike begins on the Pulliam Creek Trail. Head down this trail for 1.2 miles. At this point, the Pulliam Trail continues south & east and veers left. Veer right down a steep trail to the foot of the Green River Narrows. The trail is marked by pink ribbons. Caution: this trail is very steep.
Hike carefully down to the river and proceed upstream for the best viewing. The race finish line is about 100 yards upstream from the bottom of the trail. Remember to bring a jacket!
NRS Awards Party: This open to all event will feature video footage from the day, cold Fat Tire beverages, Green Race apparel, and of course the crowning of the Green Race Champion. There will be food for purchase and our sponsors will have some great deals on some of the best outdoor gear on the planet. Come one come all!