Informative Guide for Hiking and Camping on the Uwharrie Trail

The Uwharrie Trail is a 40-mile trail through the heart of the Uwharrie National Forest in the North Carolina Piedmont. It climbs many notable mountains within Montgomery and Randolph Counties, including Morris Mountain, Dark Mountain, and King Mountain. Opportunities for day hikes are also available if one does not want to hike the entire 40 miles.

While the elevation on the trail barely tips over 1,000ft, the ruggedness of the Uwharrie Trail presents challenges. There are steep climbs to conquer and streams to be forded. In the Fall and Winter months, the climbs can offer views as a reward for your hard work, but these views are minimized when the tree foliage has filled out.

History

The primary name associated with the Uwharrie Trail is Joe Moffitt, of whom Joe Moffitt Trailhead is named after. It was Joe who had the vision of a long-distance trail for his scout troop, so in the late 1960s, he began work.

While Joe Moffitt concentrated on what is the northern section of the Uwharrie Trail, Jumping Off Rock to Tot Hill Farm Road, Robert Carey lead the efforts on the southern half of the trail from Jumping Off Rock, heading south to the Woodrun Area. This segment of the trail has remained since its completion. However, the work of Joe Moffitt was loosely held together by handshake deals with private land owners.

Unfortunately, some lands changed ownership and other owners changed their minds about allowing a trail through their property. This resulted in a large section lost between the Jumping Off Rock Trailhead and the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness.

Now, a road walk is required to complete a thru-hike of the Uwharrie Trail. However, with help from the Three Rivers Land Trust and the Uwharrie Trailblazers, many of these miles have been recovered within the last 10 years. As of 2021, only a road walk of approximately 3.3 miles is required to complete a thru-hike.

Unofficially, the trail was completed in 1975. And while all the segments combined are deemed the Uwharrie Trail, only the southern 20-mile section carries the label of a national recreation trail.

Uwharrie Trail Map

Below is a map of the Uwharrie Trail that I have created. It shows water sources and campsites, along with other notable locations. Please note that locations are approximate. Also note that there are many more campsites and water sources than what this map shows. Most of these are what I can recall from my hikes on the Uwharrie Trail. I will be working on a more detailed and precise map in the near future. Right click on the map and open in a new tab (or save it) to view in greater detail.

Trailheads

There are a handful of trailheads that offer direct access and parking for a hike on the Uwharrie Trail. If you do not want to thru-hike the 40 miles in one trip, these trailheads make it easy to pick back up where you left off. There are also additional access points that are not official Uwharrie Trail trailheads, but still offer access to the trail, either directly or via a short connector trail.

Woodrun Trailhead – HWY 24/27

This is where you should start if you are planning a nobo hike of the Uwharrie Trail. It is located on Highway 24/27 in Troy, NC. This is the most popular trailhead since there are several trails in the area, including the Dutchman’s Creek Trail and numerous bike trails. From my experience, most of the people who park here are not hiking the Uwharrie Trail, at least not beyond a mile or two.

NC 109 Trailhead – HWY 109

The gap between Woodrun and the NC109 trailhead is the largest among the trailheads on the Uwharrie Trail – approximately 11.8 miles. Head north from here for about 2 miles and you will find a nice section of trail along Spencer Creek.

Jumping Off Rock Trailhead – Flint Hill Road

Hiking northbound, Jumping Off Rock Trailhead marks the end of the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail, but the beginning of the Uwharrie Trail recovery effort. To continue to the recovered sections, from the parking lot, head across the road and over the bridge and you will see where the trail continues. On hikingproject.com, you find this segment of trail called the Uwharrie Extension Trail. If heading south from the parking lot, you will begin a steep climb on the north side of Dark Mountain.

Joe Moffitt Trailhead- Thayer Road

Joe Moffitt Trailhead is on Thayer Road, which rides between Little Long Mountain and King Mountain. It is a great starting part for a short ascent up either of these. Little Long Mountain offers the best views I’ve seen in the Uwharrie’s (nearly 360-degrees), plus a lean-to shelter, and King Mountain is the highest point on the Uwharrie Trail at 1,020 feet. Head south from the parking lot to climb Little Long Mountain or north for King Mountain and to continue a northbound thru-hike.

Walkers Creek Trailhead – High Pine Church Road

The Walkers Creek Trailhead was recently opened in 2021 and marks the completion of the newest segment of trail. It connects to the Uwharrie Extension Trail near Eagles Field Road and eliminates the trek to Luther’s Place Trailhead. It also shortens the road walk for a thru-hike to only approximately 3.3 miles.

Robbins Branch Trailhead – Lassiter Mill Road

As it currently stands, Robbins Branch Trailhead is a Uwharrie Trail trailhead. However, when the road walk is eliminated, I do not believe the portion of trail from this trailhead will be official Uwharrie Trail miles any longer. Access to this trailhead is from Lassiter Mill Road. There should be a “Wilderness Area” sign pointing to a gravel driveway to the parking area. At the intersection with Hannah’s Creek Trail, turn right to continue a northbound Uwharrie Trail thru-hike.

Tots Hill Farm Trailhead – Tots Hill Farm Road

On Tots Hill Farm Road is the Tots Hill Farm Trailhead, the northern terminus of the Uwharrie Trail and where Joe Moffitt started his work. From here, you will hike into the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness. This section, like the first 20 southern miles of the Uwharrie Trail, is original miles. If hiking southbound, you will go approximately 4.75 miles before turning right onto Hannah’s Creek Trail towards the Robbins Branch Trailhead.

Additional Access Points

There are several other points that make accessing the Uwharrie Trail quick and easy. While I am sure this isn’t all of them, these are ones I have used or at least remember coming across.

Yates Place – Dusty Level Road

Yates Place is a campground about 10 miles into the Uwharrie Trail when hiking northbound from Wood Run. From the campground, there is a spur trail that leads straight to the Uwharrie Trail. Or you can drive past the campground a hundred yards or so and lookout for where the trail crosses the road. Some spots are cleared along the side of the road to allow for some parking. This is also great access to the northern section of the Dutchman’s Creek Trail.

West Morris Mountain Campground – Ophir Road

Off Ophir Road is West Morris Mountain Campground. From here, there is a spur trail will yellow blazes that will connect you to the Uwharrie Trail after about a .8 mile hike. Turn left to head north on the Uwharrie Trail and climb Morris Mountain or turn right to head towards the NC109 Trailhead.

Tower Road

I remember this road but not if there is good parking. Nor can I pinpoint where the trail crosses on a map. It is closer to the northern end of the road, so keep an eye out for the white blazes.

Luther Place Trailhead – Pisgah Covered Bridge Road

You won’t find Luther Place Trailhead on Google Maps, though it does show up on the Hiking Project map. This segment was a part of the official Uwharrie Trail thru-hike, but with the addition of Walkers Creek Trailhead, this has now just become a spur trail.

It is off Pisgah Covered Bridge Road and it looks like you will be pulling into someone’s driveway, but there is a forest service gate to the left. Don’t park in the yard and make sure not to block the forest service road or gate, but parking along the side should be okay. Look for the yellow blazes and then hike about a half-mile to connect with the Uwharrie Trail.

Section Hike Descriptions

Splitting the Uwharrie Trail from trailhead to trailhead, it can be broken into five segments. While the trail is fairly uniform from end-to-end, each section does have its own unique landmarks worth seeing. If a thru-hike isn’t for you right now, some of these sections will still serve as a good overnight hiking trip, especially if you are just getting started in backpacking. If you need help planning your hiking trip, then read this article for a few pointers.

Check out this backpacking checklist if you are wondering what you may need for an on overnight stay in the woods.

Woodrun to NC109

Approximately 12 miles

This is the longest section of trail between two trailheads. It is also a relatively easy hike with the most difficult climb being up Dennis Mountain.

Starting at Woodrun Trailhead, this section runs parallel with NC24/27 briefly before straddling a creek for a half-mile. There will also be a stream crossing.

Shortly after, you climb Dennis Mountain, the toughest climb within this 12-mile section. When the foliage is down, you can see the mountains of Morrow Mountain State Park to the west, which is also the best view (in my opinion) in this segment.

While descending Dennis Mountain, you will cross the Keyauwee Trail intersection. After reaching the bottom, there will be another stream crossing before crossing the intersection with the Dutchman’s Creek Trail. In about another 1.5 miles, you will find a nice, large campsite nestled along another stream, around 6.5 miles north from Woodrun Trailhead.

From here, the trail has small ups and downs, but nothing too difficult. You will pass the northern end of the Dutchman’s Creek Trail (definitely worth a hike) before passing Yates Place Campground. Cross Dusty Level Road and continue north. There will be another nice section of trail alongside a stream for about .75 miles. In another 1.25 miles, you will have arrived at NC109.

NC109 to Jumping Off Rock

Approximately 8 miles

This section of the Uwharrie Trail will have more climbs than the southern section, so be prepared! While only 8 miles, this is probably the most difficult section of trail.

There will be two creek crossings, Cattail Creek and Spencer Creek, before reaching an access trail to West Morris Mountain Campground (about 2.25 miles from NC109). I don’t recall any signs for this campground, but there may be.

Now begins the climb up Morris Mountain. For reference, I believe Hiking Project labels this mountain incorrectly on their map based on my research. At the northern base of this mountain, there will be more stream crossings.

The climb up Horse Mountain will be next, immediately followed by Dark Mountain. Views can be had here, but they will be better when the leaves have fallen. The descent down Dark Mountain to Jumping Off Rock Trailhead is rocky and steep, so use caution!

Jumping Off Rock to Joe Moffitt Trailhead

Approximately 3.2 miles

This is a short section but has the most “wow” factor. From the Jumping Off Rock parking lot, cross the street and head left across the bridge. The Uwharrie Trail will be on the right.

After a short (moderately difficult) climb and descent, you will cross a nice stream and then hike alongside it for the next approximately half-mile. Then begins the climb up Little Long Mountain.

This climb is approximately .8 miles, up all the way. While it isn’t extremely steep, it can still be a challenge. However, this challenge is worth it once you reach the top! You will be rewarded with 360-degree views, the best I have seen in the Uwharries. Plus, there is a lean-to shelter, “Eagle’s Nest”, that will sleep a handful of people if you want to camp here.

When ready, descend down the north side. You will come across a sign indicating a water source. I haven’t yet ventured down this to see what it is like yet, but the map would indicate it is a reliable stream. Just beyond this spur trail is the Joe Moffitt Trailhead.

Joe Moffitt Trail Head to Walkers Creek

Approximately 5.6 miles

Take some time to read the Joe Moffitt dedication stone, then head north up the trail

There will be a stream crossing in less than a half-mile from the trailhead, and then the climb begins up King Mountain, the highest point along the Uwharrie Trail! This climb is also moderately difficult, but slightly harder than the climb up Little Long Mountain. Like most mountain summits in the Uwharries, the view from King Mountain will be better in Winter.

After a short descent down the mountain, the terrain is easy to trek. At approximately 2.5 miles, you will come to a junction. Head right to go to Luther Place Trailhead, the former Uwharrie Trail route, or head left towards Walkers Creek.

The Walkers Creek Section is the newest addition to the Uwharrie Trail. It is an easy hike from one end to the other. You will cross Walkers Creek and eventually pass an old furnace. In another mile, you will arrive at the trailhead.

Robbins Branch to Tot Hill Farm

Approximately 6.6 miles

First, note that there is a 3+ mile road walk between Walkers Creek Trailhead and Robbins Branch Trailhead. From here, the Uwharrie Trail enters the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness. Some of these trails temporarily connect the Uwharrie Trail until the last segment of trail recovery is complete.

Hiking from Robbins Branch Trailhead, you will need to take a right on Hannah’s Creek Trail after about .4 miles. I do not believe there is a sign, so be on the look-out. After 1.5 miles, you will come to a junction with the Birkhead Mountain Trail, the original northern section of the Uwharrie Trail, separated from its southern section for decades.

Turn left to start heading north. From here, the trail is smooth except for a couple of moderate climbs and a steep decline off Coolers Knob (which offers camping and winter views).

After climbing down from Coolers Knob, finish out the last .75 miles to Tot Hill Farm Trailhead.

Camping on the Uwharrie Trail

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the entirety of the trail. However, please refrain from building new fire rings. There a plenty of viable campsites along the trail. Use established sites when possible! I will note a few that I remember during my hikes on the trail. Listed mileage is from Woodrun Trailhead.

• There are a couple of campsites within the first mile along the creek.
• Around 6.5 miles in, there is a large campsite along Dutchmans Creek.
• Yates Place at about mile 9.
• Access West Morris Mountain Campground around mile 14.2.
• Camp at Jumping Off Rock Trailhead, mile 20.1.
• Little Long Mountain Summit, where there is a lean-to shelter, mile 22.5.
• Walkers Creek Trailhead, around mile 28.3.
• Hit Camp Trail 4 along Hannah’s Creek Trail around mile 33.2.
• Camp 5, between miles 35 and 36.
• Coolers Knob Camping at mile 38.5

All mileage markers are estimates! Do not use this as a pinpoint accurate guide! There are plenty of additional campsites between the ones listed above. These are just the ones that stick out in my memory and that I can locate on a map.

Water Sources on the Uwharrie Trail

Water is plentiful on the Uwharrie Trail. I won’t try to list every one, but you will rarely exceed 3 miles between sources. The longest stretch, if I had to guess, is from where Hannah’s Creek joins the Birkhead Mountain Trail to Tot Hill Farm Trailhead, about 4.8 miles.

Be sure to have a way to filter and/or treat your water. I recommend the Sawyer Squeeze for filtering or these tablets for treating.

Weather and Temperature Averages

The Uwharries are beautiful but hiking the trail in the summer can be gruelingly hot. Below, I list the average temperatures for the area, and the average rainfall, by month.

In my opinion, the best months for hiking the Uwharrie Trail are March, April, October, and November. The temperatures are more preferable, plus you will have clear views as long if it isn’t too late in April or too early in October.

And even though some months offer less risk of rain, I still recommend being prepared just in case. Check out my guide for hiking in the rain for help in keeping your gear and yourself dry.

The Future of the Uwharrie Trail

The Uwharrie Trail has had many ups and downs in its short history with the loss and recovery of sections. Big steps have been taken and will continue to be made to restore what was lost. Only one section remains before the northern and southern sections of the trail can be reconnected. Hopefully, in the next several years this can be accomplished. With that said, the future of the Uwharrie Trail and all of us who adore it, is bright.