When one thinks of North Carolina and the mountains, one’s mind is usually drawn to the western part of the state, with the soaring peaks of Grandfather Mountain, Chimney Rock, or Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the East. But 500 million years ago, another range of mountains formed along the coast, what is now the central region of the state, the Uwharries (rhymes with blue-far-cheese). Over time, the highest peak, which once stood at about 20,000 feet, was worn down along with the rest of the mountains, to the Piedmont hills they are now known as.
The Uwharries are a great place to go for recreation and relaxation. Visitors can hike in the woods and check out the regional flora and fauna. You’re likely to see wild turkeys and deer, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of a bear. In the winter, eagles perch in the trees. Enjoy the shade of longleaf pines while taking a break from testing your strength on the boulders dotting the region.
The Uwharrie National Forest features over 200 miles of trails, with some trails designated for biking and riding horses. Explore the 10-mile Dutchman’s Creek trail and the 20-mile Uwharrie Trail, both strenuous hikes on rocky terrain, passing through wooded areas and the occasional old gold mine.
The only predictable thing about the Uwharries is their consistently frenetic elevation changes. Looking at the elevation map for the 20 miles of Uwharrie Trail, it’s difficult to tell if it’s something to love or hate… probably a little bit of both, as the mountains reply to a 350-foot gain with a paltry 150-foot descent, only to rise 100 feet and drop 300 more. The entire trail is like that, until around mile number 15, when there is a sudden 300-foot drop in elevation followed by a steep rise at least as high. Luckily for your legs, it’s close to the finish.
The Uwharries, despite their diminutive stature compared to the towering Appalachians, are not to be underestimated. Standing at just 1,188 feet (362 meters), High Rock Mountain is the highest peak in the Uwharries. Little Long Mountain is known for its great view, thanks to its bald peak. The range’s proximity to Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh make for multitudes of doable day trips, and their seemingly infinite trail system is bound to keep the Uwharries’ frequent flyers satisfied and in that exploratory state of mind where things seem new, an adventure at each turn.
For the iron-willed thighs-of-steel people out there, there is an annual race in the Uwharries each February. There are options to run 8, 20, and 40 miles of the trail. The race fills up each year, so if running up a 15% grade is your thing, sign up early.
