NCNatural's Uwharrie National Forest

Uwharrie National Forest
(NCNatural.com is NOT affiliated with the National Forest Service.)

According to geologists, these mountains are remnants of a chain of islands crushed between the collission of the North American and the African continental plates. They may be the oldest mountains in the US, but are greatly eroded to their present height of approx.1000 ft.

The trails of the Uwharrie National Forest are very popular with mountain bikers. The forest is also popular with hunters and fishermen.

Highlights of the Uwharrie National Forest
Winter Eagle Watching Badin Lake and Tillery Lake are reservoirs that attract Bald Eagles. The best spot for viewing is at Badin Dam (Narrows Dam) at the south end of Badin Lake, The Eagles are attracted there because fish are stunned or wounded after passing through dam turbines. From Dec. through Feb., you could see eagles perched in trees below the dam. To get to the best viewing spot, enter the forest off NC 109, just north of the Uwharrie River crossing, Turn west at the Badin lake sign and go .25 mile. Turn right on gravel FR 576, and travel about 6 miles. Watch for the dam on the right through the trees. Park and walk on the high bank overlooking the lake. Binoculars are useful. Camping The Uwharrie National Forest provides a variety of camping facilities that run the gamut from full-featured to down-right primitive. There are also horse and hunting camps available. Canebrake Horse Camp is the Uwharrie's newest campground offering access to 32 miles of horse trails. Trails Miles of trails designated for hikers, Off Road Vehicles and Bikes make the Uwharrie a popular spot. Points of Interest: Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Moderately steep terrain dissected by several small clear streams which feed Uwharrie River. Remnants of old farms and mining camps. Robbins Branch Trail. Hunting seasons. 4790 acres. Holt’s Cabin Located on Forest Road 597 approximately 1 mile north from the 544 intersection, Holt’s Cabin is a day use area on Badin Lake for picnicking and fishing. There are 7 sites, each containing a table and grill. Toilets are centrally located. The picnic area is on the edge of Badin Lake. NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING PERMITTED. Cove Boat Ramp & Picnic Area Located at the end of Forest Road 597B, Cove Boat Ramp is a day use picnic area and boat ramp, with tables and grills. Toilets are available. NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING PERMITTED.
Official National Forest Service Information and links;	Other Useful Information & Links
Uwharrie National Forest Recreation Map (784 Kb PDF file) Uwharrie National Forest Route 3, Box 470 Troy, NC 27371 (910) 576-6391 Directions: 2 miles east of Troy on NC 24/27.	Topographic Maps for Uwharrie National Forest from Topozone.com Uwharrie Mountain Bike Association Establishing and developing mountain biking opportunities in the Uwharrie National Forest. Uwharrie Trail Club Just a bunch of folks who like to hike.
Nearby Attractions
NC Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC Morrow Mountain State Park, Albemarle, NC Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site, Mt. Gilead, NC