Trail Run – Whitehorse & Cathedral Ledge

Steep and Rugged on both the uphills and the downs.

A great loop from Echo Lake State Park, or from the base of Cathedral Ledge. For trail running it’s a bit steep right out of the gate if you start at Cathedral. Echo Lake start affords a nice mile or so flat start to get the blood warmed up. Following the trail up along the north shoulder of Cathedral, actually the climbers descent trail, then over the top of Cathedral, crossing the parking lot and a steep downhill to the SW brings you to the saddle between Whitehorse and Cathedral. Up again to the top of “Guides Wall” which has gorgeous views to the south and west, overlooking Echo Lake and the Green Hills.

Runners on top of Guides Wall overlooking the Saco River Valley

This loop is so good it has recently become an officially sanctioned trail race. This is now the home of Kismet Cliff Run, a 5 mile race started to raise funds for The Kismet Rock Foundation. A foundation in their words “ …enhances the physical, intellectual and emotional development of well-functioning but economically disadvantaged children by providing access to the immense value of a comprehensive and multi-dimensional education in technical rock climbing.”

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