Uwharrie National Forest Guide
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Uwharrie National Forest is a popular destination that's comprised of over 2 million acres designated for premier hunting and fishing as well as recreational use. The area boasts over 20 scenic hikes with a couple of relaxing nature trails to accommodate various skill levels. Some of the park's most unique features include the Uwharrie and Pee Dee Rivers and the oldest mountain range in North America, the Uwharries. Within the forest, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing. Camping is also available throughout the actual forest area, which covers 52,000-acres as well as ATV adventures that require a permit to access specially designated trails.
Uwharrie National Forest Hiking Trails
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Uwharrie National Recreation Trail
Uwharrie National Recreation Trail is a popular, well-marked trail that runs through the entire length of the national forest, and it can be partially traversed from separate access points along the path. Expect some muddy and rocky areas along with beautiful, wooded scenery, wildflower patches, and plenty of opportunities to birdwatch. This trail is dog-friendly and is also great for mountain biking.
Length: 25.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Densons Creek Nature Trail
Densons Creek Nature Trail is a popular, looped trek that takes you around the forest and along a peaceful creek. Expect nice, even terrain, two road crossings, and unexpected encounters with wildlife. Depending on weather conditions, be prepared for muddy, slick areas.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Kings Mountain Point Trail
Kings Mountain Point Trail offers amazing lake views as you stroll along the paved, looped path. The area includes grills, picnic tables, and shelters for extended visits, along with restrooms for your convenience. The trail is for day-use only and allows mountain biking. Kings Mountain Point is also great for birdwatching, and you can wet a hook in the lake as well.
Length: 0.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Supertree Trail
On the Supertree Trail, you'll have numerous opportunities to stop and enjoy the blooming foliage as the looped trail takes you through lush woodlands. The path has some small, rolling hills that are easy to traverse as well as a few rocky spots. Mountain bikers are welcome on Supertree along with leashed dogs.
Length: 4.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Woodrun Trail
For an easy yet memorable hike, Woodrun Trail is an excellent option for hikers of all skill levels. This well-marked, out-and-back trek features a picturesque river, blooming daffodils, and wildlife. The gravel paths make Woodrun popular with mountain bikers, so awareness is needed while hiking the path; however, traffic is light.
Length: 3.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Dutchman's Creek Trail
Dutchman's Creek Trail is a challenging loop trail that connects to the Uwharrie Trail and features a few creek crossings, dense foliage, blooming mountain laurels, and wildlife. The path is well-marked and maintained, with several campsites along the way, making it perfect for a backpacking excursion. Dutchman's Creek is open year-round, and the best time to trek it is from May to October.
Length: 12.5 miles
Intensity: Difficult
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Thornburg Trail
Thornburg Trail offers peace and quiet as you make your way through the heavily wooded area. On the hike, you'll cross a bridge and pass some outbuildings and a charming farmhouse in addition to a couple of small creeks. This trail sees light traffic and is gorgeous in the fall as the leaves begin to change. Expect a fairly narrow path with a few rocky spots, and be aware of poison ivy at certain points on the trail.
Length: 3.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Uwharrie National Forest
In Uwharrie National Forest, you'll have a fantastic time experiencing everything the forest has to offer as you view the unique flora along the Uwharrie River Trail and fish for smallmouth bass and blue catfish on the Uwharrie River.
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Nature and Bird Watching
Wildlife abounds near the Uwharrie River Trail, where you'll likely see white-tailed deer and wild turkeys roaming. But if you prefer to watch for birds, then you'll want to hit the Badin Lake Trail and Lick Mountain
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Geocaching
Geocaching throughout the forest is another fun activity that'll allow you to explore more of your beautiful surroundings. Keep in mind, you must obtain prior approval from the forest service before placing a cache.
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Stargazing
After nightfall, the Milky Way can be seen on clear nights from the Arrowhead Campground near Badin Lake. Stargazing here makes for the perfect end to an exciting day.
How to get to Uwharrie National Forest
Address: 789 Biscoe Road, Troy, NC 27371
Fee: Entry fee $0
Uwharrie National Forest offers nature lovers and adventurers a perfect place to unwind while soaking in the lush beauty of North Carolina. Enjoy exciting activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and ATVing inside the forest, or explore the rivers and streams on fishing adventures before spending a few relaxing evenings by the campfire. No matter what you choose to do while you're in the Uwharries, camping in the comfort of an RV makes your time here all the more special.