Greenhorn Adventure Race

The Greenhorn Adventure Race is designed as an accessible entry point into the world of multisport racing, set against the backdrop of the rugged terrain in Rocky Gap State Park. Over the course of four hours, you will navigate a roughly 15-mile route that blends trekking, mountain biking, and paddling. The course is intentionally crafted to be beginner-friendly, yet it offers enough strategic depth to challenge seasoned athletes who choose to pursue optional checkpoints. Expect a diverse mix of surfaces, including gravel roads, paved sections, and semi-technical singletrack trails that will test your bike handling skills without requiring elite-level technical proficiency.

Navigation is a core component of the experience, though the maps provided are clear and straightforward. You will spend the majority of your time on the bike, followed by trekking segments that take you through the park's varied topography. The final discipline, paddling, takes place on the park's clear lake, providing a scenic transition before the finish. Because the exact order and distance of segments remain secret until race day, your success will depend as much on your ability to make efficient route choices as it will on your physical endurance.

Rocky Gap State Park is located in Flintstone, Maryland, approximately 2.5 hours from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. If you are traveling from further afield, the region is accessible via major highway corridors in Western Maryland, situated just six miles east of Cumberland. For those flying in, you should plan for a drive from regional airports in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, as there are no major commercial hubs immediately adjacent to the park.

September in Western Maryland typically offers mild, pleasant conditions, though you should prepare for variable weather common in mountainous regions. On-site logistics are relatively simple, with parking available within the park and facilities, including bathrooms and showers, located near the start and finish area. Since this is a team-based event, ensure your group coordinates transportation for any personal gear, such as paddles or PFDs, if you choose to bring your own. It is advisable to book local accommodations in the Cumberland or Flintstone area well in advance, as the park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation.