Uwharrie National Forest: North Carolina's Hidden Outdoor Gem

The Uwharrie Mountains may be little more than hills today, reaching around 1,000 feet above sea level, but according to geologists the "mountain" range is the oldest in the United States. The volcanoes that provided the rugged topography once soared to 20,000 feet-high enough to dwarf the mighty Rocky Mountains. Over the course of 500 million years its physical stature may have eroded, but Uhwarrie National Forests' facilities are anything but small in stature along the east coast of the United States.

The National Forest was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and, although it only encompasses 50,189 acres, it offers off-roading trails, mountain biking trails, horseback riding, hiking, boating, camping, fishing, hunting, gold panning, perhaps the best planned handicapped accessible fishing dock and picnic area I've ever seen, and much more. Located only two hours from most of North Carolina's major metropolitan areas, Uwharrie is the very definition of multiple-use public lands.

Gold was discovered here in the early 1800s. The placer deposits may not have been as rich as out west, but during the Great Depression a number of camps were re-established by men hoping to scratch a living out of the earth. Today hobbyists are still allowed to pan for gold and rock collect, and no permits are required on Uwharrie National Forest. No mechanical aids other than hand tools are allowed though and, for obvious reasons, you cannot permanently scar the landscape.

There are eight different trails of varying difficulty for off-road enthusiasts. They are open from April 1 to December 15 and range from 0.9 miles to 3.3 miles in length. There's even a special ORV trail. Helmets are required as well as a $5 per vehicle fee. If you plan on visiting often, consider the $30 per person season pass. Horseback riding trails are also found here, as well as campsites designed for the equine enthisiast.

Most of the eastern shores of Badin Lake are within the national forest, and the 5,350-acre impoundment adds water sports to the long list of available activities. The waterway was created in 1917 by ALCOA when it put a dam on the Yadkin-Pee Dee River to generate hydroelectric power for its aluminum plant in Badin. Maximum depth is 190 feet.

Here fishermen regularly test their tackle on largemouth bass, catfish, bream, white bass and striped bass. You can also water ski, jet ski, swim or just relax along the 115 miles of shoreline. The Uwharrie River also offers paddling opportunities, although most spots to put in are relatively undeveloped and caution should be used-it's billed as the last unspoiled river in the Piedmont. Smallmouth bass are one of the main attractions to the river for fishermen, as well as catfish and largemouth.

The 20-mile-long Uwharrie National Recreation Trail beckons hundreds of hikers annually, and there are many more, including one skirting most of Badin Lake's shoreline. Two special camps are available for horseback riders, complete with hitching posts and trailer parking. The forest also has a network of equestrian trails. Expect to see deer, wild turkey and bald eagles as you camp among the mix of hardwoods and evergreens.

Primitive camping is also allowed throughout the forest, except in those areas that are posted no camping. Forest regulations still apply, including any seasonal fire restrictions.

There are nine developed campgrounds: Arrowhead; Badin Lake Upper and Lower Loops; Badin Lake Group, Badin Lake Horse Camp; Cenebrake Horse Camp; East Morris Mountain; Uwharrie Hunt Camp; West Morris Mountain; and Yates Place.

If you're interested in a variety of outdoor pursuits, Uwharrie is the place to visit in North Carolina.