PILOT MOUNTAIN, N.C. – Pilot Mountain State Park is closed due to wildfire, and people who frequently use this area say it's very sad to see the mountain like this.

What You Need To Know

Pilot Mountain State Park is closed due to the Grindstone Fire

Ultramarathon runner Samuel Odom misses running on his favorite trail

He's been running on the roads near the park to stay close to his special place

Eighteen-year-old ultramarathon runner Samuel Odom isn't on his typical route — the Corridor Trail — Tuesday.

He's running on the road instead because of the blaze that's been dubbed the "Grindstone Fire."

"You get to run a little bit faster, but at the same time it's a lot harder on your knees, your hips, your ankles," Odom explained.

Odom says getting ready for his run Tuesday just feels different because he does about 90% of his ultramarathon training at Pilot Mountain, and he loves it there.

"I just love the peacefulness. It's really low key here. Not too many people. There's more horses than people here, so that's really great," Odom said.

Odom was caught by surprise when he saw the mountain in flames and his favorite trail closed.

"I was definitely shocked. I definitely wasn't expecting it, but I don't think anyone was. It's very tragic," Odom said.

He's running on the roads right outside the park in order to stay close to the place that's so special to him.

"It's definitely sad to see it like this, but I do know it will come back around, and it will open back up again," Odom said.

Officials expect the fire to be about 90% contained in the next two to three days, and they are hoping it will be completely out by the weekend.