Uwharrie National Forest Guide

Uwharrie National Forest Hiking Trails

Uwharrie National Forest boasts over 50 miles of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. Many trails are accessible from campgrounds, making them perfect for RV campers.

Easy Trails for Beginners

• Hannahs Creek Trail

  Distance: 1.4 miles

  Difficulty: Easy

• Thornburg Trail

  Distance: 1.8 miles

  Difficulty: Easy

• Denson's Creek Trail

  Length: 2.2 miles; 1 mile (short loop)

  Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Challenging Trails

• Uwharrie National Recreation Trail

  Distance: 29 miles

  Difficulty: Difficult

• Dutchman’s Creek Trail

  Distance: 11 miles

  Difficulty: Difficult

• Robbins Branch Trail

  Distance: 3.1 miles

  Difficulty: Easy

• Robbins Branch, Birkhead Mountain and Hannah's Creek Trail Loop

  Distance: 6.77 miles

  Difficulty: Moderate

Lakeside Trails

• Badin Lake Trail

  Distance: 5.4 miles (loop)

  Difficulty: Moderate

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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