Some say hiking in Uwharrie National Forest is best in winter. Warmer months bring concerns of ticks, copperheads and timber rattlesnakes. Hunters during the fall and spring months threaten hikers in off-trail areas.

The Uwharrie National Recreation Trail may be hiked with the Dutchman's Creek Trail, making a nice 20 mile circuit hike in the shape of a figure 8. The trail has a southern and a northern trailhead.

The trail is the brainstorm a Eagle Scout Joe Moffit, Asheboro Boy Scout troop. He founded the Uwharrie Trail Club and as a result, 20 miles of the 33 mile path are beautifully maintained, blazed with white markers and offer four primitive campsite, two other campsites, pit toilets and a number of spur trails. However, there is no drinking water available. The area is characterized by lush green forests, rambling creeks and abundant wildlife.

Directions: From Troy, NC, Southern Access: Travel southwest on SRs 24 / 27 for about 10 miles. Shortly after passing State Highway 1134, you will see Forest Service Road 517. Parking is available at this intersection. You may begin on the Uwharrie Trail from this point or cross the forest service road and begin on Dutchman's Creek Trail.Northern Access: You begin on a spur trail from the Yates Place Campground. Travel northwest on SR 109 approximately 1 - 2 miles turning left on SR 1134. Take SR 1134 for about 1.5 miles turning right onto Forest Service Road 6746. There is a church on the corner. This road carries you directly to Yates Place Camp.

Elevation: 553 feet

Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet

Distance: 30 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

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