Operation SCOUT 2025

Operation SCOUT

March 15, 2025 | Pisgah National Forest, NC, USA

Distance: 10 +/- miles

Weight: 20 lbs dry

Elevation: 2,818 +/- elevation gain

Brief Start Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 0730 hrs

Event Start Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 0800 hrs

Start Location: Art Loeb/Cold Mountain Trailhead, NC

Event Finish Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1800 hrs

Finish Location: Art Loeb/Cold Mountain Trailhead, NC

Situation

Operation SCOUT is a rigorous 10-mile challenge set in the stunning Pisgah National Forest. The route is straightforward—5 miles up and 5 miles down—but the steep ascent and descent make it brutally hard. This event demands both physical strength and mental resilience, as candidates tackle the relentless climb and navigate the taxing downhill return.

Mission

Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 10 +/- mile route in under 6 hours to pass and under 4.5 hours to earn the GBF Operation SCOUT Dog Tag.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the Art Loeb/Cold Mountain Trailhead. At 0730 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0800 hours.

Service Support

Mapping. GBF events use the AllTrails app for navigation. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS too.

Route. Ensure you download the map for offline use. Cell service is not guaranteed. The route for Operation SCOUT is here.

Weight. Candidates must carry a minimum of 20 lbs dry (i.e. without food and water) in a backpack. Weight vests or sandbags are not permitted.

Equipment

Mandatory Equipment

• Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
• Phone (fully charged)
• Phone charger
• LifeStraw
• Head Torch (spare batteries)
• Hydration bladder(s)
• Whistle
• Compass
• Emergency rations (see below)
• Emergency shelter
• Personal First Aid Kit

Strongly Recommended

• Maps (waterproofed)
• GPS
• Blister kit
• Pocket knife
• Chem-light/Cyalume
• Hiking poles
• MRE(s)

Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice.

Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route.

Water. There will be bottled water at the finish point. Candidates should carry enough water to last the route distance plus 3 additional miles, in case they get lost.

Rations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 energy bars and 0.5 liters of water as emergency rations.

Medical. Every candidate requires a personal medical kit. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions before starting the event.

Transportation. Transport to and from the event will be at the candidate's arrangement.

Command and Signal. GBF HQ: 941-993-9432

The Fine Print

Numbers. Maximum number of candidates 30. Minimum number of candidates 10.

Refunds. Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher to use towards future events. Refunds must be requested 30 days before the event start date.

Event Changes. Slight changes to any event including, but not limited to route changes, brief times, start locations, and other details are under the discretion of GBF Staff.