Jewel 18
An introduction to the Jewel.
The 18-mile Georgia Jewel is your invitation into the heart of the Pinhoti Trail and the spirit of this race. Designed for runners who want a true trail challenge without the full ultramarathon commitment, this course delivers rolling singletrack, rocky climbs, and long stretches of forest that feel far removed from everyday life. It’s demanding enough to earn your respect and approachable enough to welcome first-time trail runners and seasoned athletes alike. If you’re looking for a race that feels like an adventure but finishes with daylight and a smile, this is where the Jewel begins.
Jewel 18
COURSE DETAILS
Start/Finish:
Snake Creek Gap, Coordinates: 34.664175, -85.059646
Distance: 18 miles
Total Elevation Gain: ≅3,300'
Number of Aid Stations: 2
Cut off: 6 hours
Average High/Low Race Day Temp: 83.3/60.7
Course type: 91% Single Track, 6% Grave Forest Road, 3% Road
COURSE OVERVIEW
A first chapter.
The 18-mile race begins at Snake Creek Gap and follows the Pinhoti Trail toward Dalton. From the start, runners climb onto the ridgeline and experience the long, forested stretch that defines the center of the course. This section introduces the character of the Jewel: sustained climbs, narrow trail, and quiet miles that reward steady effort.
At Stover Creek, runners are welcomed before continuing into the Rock Garden, where the trail demands attention and care. This section teaches quickly and honestly about footing, patience, and choosing progress over speed.
From there, the trail rises to the power lines and turns toward the finish. The woods open, the horizon widens, and the race concludes in Dalton, where the first chapter of the Jewel story comes to a close.
