Uwharrie National Forest

Description
The Uwharrie National Forest provides a variety of natural resources, including clean rivers and streams, diverse vegetation for scenery, wildlife habitat and wood products. There is also a wide variety of recreational activities, and the Forest is a natural setting for tourism and economic development.

The Forest is located within a 2-hour drive from the largest population centers in the State. Recreational use is growing, especially in the Badin Lake area and along the 20-mile, Uwharrie National Recreation Trail. Miles of trails designated for hikers, Off Road Vehicles and Bikes make the Uwharrie a popular spot.

The off-highway vehicle trail system in the Uwharrie offers a variety of topography and scenery. All trails are designated for all off-highway vehicles, except for a small portion of the Dickey Bell Trail located west of SR 6584 which is suitable only for use by ATV’s or motorcycles. Stay on the trail system to help prevent soil erosion and creek sedimentation, which occur as a result of illegal trail use. FS roads can be used as trail connectors, but all vehicles operating on the road system must be "street legal" meaning that the vehicles are fully licensed, inspected and registered.

Open Season: April 1st to December 15th
Total length: 16 miles

Rating
Most trails are accessible to stock (unmodified) four wheel drive vehicles. Individual trails vary in length from 1.2 miles to 3.4 miles, but the ORV area networks the trails that they may be connected in series of un-recrossed lengths of up to about 20 miles. Many locations require a spotter or trail guide. Some spots may be negotiated in a more difficult manner to provide a greater challenge for modified vehicles.

On a 1-10 scale, these trails can range from 3-8 (weather dependent.)

The terrain is rolling, with many steep, winding trails. Rock outcroppings and steep drop-offs are common. Trail obstacles range from rocks and stumps to loose gravel bed. The OHV area is in an undulating hill system, which is heavily forested, and possesses many intermittent streams (tributaries from the Uwharrie River) Standing pools of mud and stream crossings may be expected, with more severe conditions following heavy rainfall.

Directions
The link below will give you directions to the town of Uwharrie. 2 more miles NW on 109 and you'll be at the entrance to the OHV area. There is a Amoco station called the Eldorado Outpost just north of the entrance to the OHV area. The Outpost is a great place to get last minutes supplies and air up after the trailride. Use these direction in conjunction with a real map since internet directions can sometimes lead you out of your way.

Yahoo Maps directions from Atlanta

Maps
Map #1
Map #2

Fees
$5.00 per-day per vehicle or a season pass for $30.00 per person.

Camping/Lodging
The Uwharrie National Forest provides a variety of camping facilities that run the gamut from full-featured to down-right primitive. Primitive camping is free and permitted anywhere in Uwharrie that is not posted as a "No Camping" site.

Uwharrie Hunt Camp (Tent or Trailer) Hand pump water, port-a-potties, table, grill - $ 8.00 /day

Badin Lake Campground (Tent or Trailer) Hand pump water, port-a-potties, table, grill - $ 8.00 /day

Arrowhead Campground (Tent or Trailer) Running water spigots, flush toilets, showers, laundry wash sink, lamp posts, table, grill - $ 12.00 /day ; (w/ electric hook-up) $ 15.00 /day

Uwharrie Mountain Lodge - (910) 572-3701

Contact Information/Links
Uwharrie National Forest, Badin Lake ORV Area
Contact for trail maps & info
District Ranger
US Forest Service
Route 3 Box 470
Troy, N.C. 27371
(919) 576-6391

Official Uwharrie Website
Uwharrie Camping Website
Nice article about Uwharrie

Hospitals:
Montgomery Memorial Hospital
520 Allen St
Troy, NC 27371
910-572-1301


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