On a Monday, I took the Uwharrie National Trail from the Wood Run Trail head on NC 27 just outside Troy N. C. A hint, if you plan on overnight camping the permits ($5 required) can be obtained at the ranger station in Troy. This is the southern terminus of the Uwharrie National Trail. What’s great about this point of entry is that the Uwharrie Trail shares a trail head with the Dutchman’s Creek Trail and several mountain bike/hiking trails so you can plan a loop hike at about any length you desire. Today I am going to the southern junction about 2.5 miles south of Yates Place near Dennis Mountain where the Uwharrie and Dutchman’s Creek trails cross to create a twelve-mile loop; just right for a day hike. I have brought two pairs of shoes but opted for the Keen hiking boots over my New Balance trail runners. Good choice, it was muddy and a lot of rock hopping crossings over the creeks. Although these mountains are not tall they do have a grand prominence above the numerous creeks, valleys and surrounding countryside. The climbs are worthwhile. They are quite steep, and as mentioned before, switchbacks are virtually non-existent in the Uwharrie. Though the peaks only average about 700 to 1000 feet their rugged boulder topped summits speak of a different time when these mountains were much taller. Covered in mixed hardwood and pine forests today it is a wonderfully serene setting, calm, not many people around. Much of this trail system has been used for hundreds of years by local Indians and pioneers as they pushed through, settled this rugged area and worked the land.
Spotted along this part of the trail are numerous primitive campgrounds. Most are along the clear running creeks where water is plentiful but still needs to be filtered and treated. Firewood is abundant as you may burn any downed limbs and trees you find, but cutting down live or dead trees is a not permitted. I eagerly look forward to the day that I can come and spend a night or two in these hills.
Spotted along this part of the trail are numerous primitive campgrounds. Most are along the clear running creeks where water is plentiful but still needs to be filtered and treated. Firewood is abundant as you may burn any downed limbs and trees you find, but cutting down live or dead trees is a not permitted. I eagerly look forward to the day that I can come and spend a night or two in these hills.
“Walking is man’s best medicine”
Hippocrates
Old Man Wandering 