Destination: The Uwharrie National Forest
By Rochelle Caviness - December 27, 2004
Although relatively small in size, measuring just over 50,000 acres, the Uwharrie National Forest offers all the amenities and recreational opportunities found in larger National Forests. Located near Troy, North Carolina, the Uwharrie National Forest was originally known as the Uwharrie Reservation. the Uwharrie was granted National Forest status in 1961, making it one of the youngest National forests. The Uwharrie National Forest is located in central North Carolina, and was created from land found in three counties: Montgomery, Randolph, and Davidson.
A significant attraction to visitors to the forest is Badin Lake. This manmade lake provides opportunities for water recreation, including boating, swimming, and fishing. Other water recreation opportunities can be found on the Uwharrie river that meanders through the National Forest. In addition to providing recreational opportunities, Badin Lake and the Uwharrie River serve as an important watershed and water reservoir for the surrounding communities. The Uwharrie National Forest also features three developed campgrounds. In addition, primitive camping is permitted throughout most of the park.
Land based recreational opportunities are almost unlimited, ranging from hiking and horseback riding to mountain biking and off-roading. There are numerous Off-Road-Highway-Vehicle trails in the Uwharrie. However, you must purchase a special pass to use them. Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers will also find a host of well marked, and well maintained trails to suit every taste and activity level from relaxed to strenuous.
Mountain bikers will find dedicated trails in the Wood Run Area of the Uwharrie. There are also two camping areas, which operate on a seasonal schedule, designed specifically for those camping with horses. The Uwharrie also features an equestrian trail system that includes five main equestrian riding trails.
Best of all, the Uwharrie National Forest is criss-crossed with a variety of hiking trails that range from paved to rugged wilderness trails. The longest of these trails is the Uwharrie National Recreational Trail, which runs about 20 miles. You can hike this trail in short segments, or plan on tackling it over several days - camping spots are located along the trail. Other trails are scattered throughout the forest, including a trail that hugs the shores of Badin Lake.
The Birkhead Mountains Wilderness area comprises about 5,000 acres and it offers hikers an opportunity to travel the North Carolina back country and to get a feel for what the area would have been like when it was a true wilderness. The forests of the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness area, as well as the entire Uwharrie, are relatively new. The area now covered by the Uwharrie forest had been logged and turned into farm land prior to the re-creation of the forest. It was only in the 1930's, when the Uwharrie Reservation was created, that the forest was allowed to reestablish itself. All the trails withing the wilderness area are designated for hiking (foot travel) only, even horses are forbidden from using the trails.
Traditional recreational activities, such as hunting and camping are also welcomed in the Forest. You'll also find some unique activities, such as opportunities to panning for gold. Panning for gold is allowed throughout most of the forest with only a few restrictions, for example it is forbidden to use motorized equipment to pan. Recreational metal detecting is also allowed in many areas of the forest. You'll need to plan ahead if you want to use your metal detector in the forest, as you will need to get a permit that can take several weeks to process. In addition, you should always check with a forest ranger to find out where it is permissible to pan or use your metal detector, as there are some areas that are off limits. Collecting rocks and minerals for your own personal collection is also permitted, with minimal restrictions.
Whether you are planning just to visit the Uwharrie National Forest for the day, or to camp over, you will find that it offers a wealth of recreational activities that will keep you coming back year-after-year. The only big drawback to the Uwharrie is the ticks. It's virtually impossible to walk through the forest without getting at least a couple of ticks on you. There are, however, several bug repellents on the market that are suppose to be effective against ticks, however I cannot attest to their performance.
I found the hiking trails to be the most interesting aspect of the Uwharrie. The trails go through some breathtakingly beautiful areas, and the Uwharrie Mountain Range is the oldest mountain range in North America. Not surprisingly, erosion has taken its toll and these once majestic mountains are now not much taller than large hills. Which means, for those seeking a less strenuous hike, that you can easily climb to the top of one of the mountains in a short period of time, with a minimal expenditure of energy - yet still giving you the opportunity to say you went mountain climbing! In short, the Uwharrie National Forest is a great destination for the entire family.
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