The Uwharrie Trail is a 20-mile long-distance trail traversing the ancient Uwharrie Mountains in the Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery County, in the Piedmont region of central North Carolina. Section 1 covers approximately 9.5 miles from the trailhead near NC-24/NC-27 north of Troy, traversing wooded ridgelines, stream bottoms, and rocky outcrops characteristic of one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America.
The Uwharrie Mountains have origins in ancient volcanic activity dating back approximately 500 million years. Though heavily eroded over geologic time, the range retains a rugged character distinct from both the Appalachians to the west and the flat Piedmont to the east. Elevation along Section 1 varies between 900 and 1,100 feet, with 800 feet of cumulative gain spread across rolling ridgeline terrain.
The trailhead for Section 1 is located near the intersection of NC-24 and NC-27 north of Troy, with parking at the designated forest road pullout. The trail is blazed with white rectangular markers and passes through mixed pine-hardwood forest, open ridgelines, and several rocky outcrops with limited but pleasant views over the surrounding Montgomery County countryside. The Uwharrie River watershed is accessible at several points along the route.
Water is limited along the upper ridgeline sections; hikers should carry at least 2 liters. The trail is used by hikers, equestrians, and backpackers, though Section 1 sees lighter day-use traffic than the full loop options. Mobile signal is absent in most of the forest interior. The trail connects to backcountry camping sites used by both section hikers and equestrian groups for overnight trips.
Section 1 is a one-way route with no loop back to the starting trailhead; a two-car shuttle or out-and-back approach is necessary. The best hiking conditions occur from October through April when temperatures are cooler and the forest is more open. Summer brings significant heat, humidity, and ticks in the Piedmont forest.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Uwharrie National Forest, Montgomery County
- Best season
- October-April (avoid summer heat and humidity)
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- Water (limited sources on ridge)
- Camping gear if backpacking
- Navigation app
Location
Trailhead near NC-24/NC-27, Troy, NC 27371
35.3648, -79.9800 View on map
Highlights
- Traverse of one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America — ancient volcanic terrain dating back ~500 million years
- Rolling ridge walking through mixed pine-hardwood forest with access to the Uwharrie River watershed
- Lightly trafficked 9.5-mile section through Uwharrie National Forest — a genuine Piedmont wilderness experience
- Rocky outcrops along the ridgeline offering views across the forested Montgomery County countryside
- Connections to backcountry camping and multi-day section hiking on the full 20-mile Uwharrie Trail
Tips for visiting
- Hike from October through April to avoid summer heat, humidity, and ticks — conditions in summer are oppressive in the Piedmont forest.
- Carry 2+ liters of water; sources on the upper ridge are unreliable or require treatment.
- Download an offline map before setting out — mobile signal is largely absent throughout Uwharrie National Forest.
- Wear long pants and check for ticks after any warm-season visit; the Piedmont forest has a high tick population.
- Arrange a two-car shuttle or plan an out-and-back — Section 1 is one-way with no loop back to the start.
When to visit
The trail is most enjoyable from October through April when temperatures are cooler and insects are less active. Spring visits in March and April offer wildflowers and moderate temperatures; fall in October and November provides pleasant hiking conditions with colorful Piedmont foliage.
Accessibility
The Uwharrie Trail Section 1 is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The route traverses uneven ridgeline terrain, forested paths with exposed roots and rocky sections, and stream crossings without bridges. The trailhead near NC-24/27 has no accessible facilities.
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Uwharrie Mountains significant?
The Uwharrie Mountains are among the oldest ranges in North America, with origins in ancient volcanic activity approximately 500 million years ago. Though heavily eroded, they represent a distinctive geological and ecological landscape in the North Carolina Piedmont, unlike any other terrain in the region.
Is a permit required to hike the Uwharrie Trail?
No permit is required for day hiking in Uwharrie National Forest. Backcountry camping is allowed with Leave No Trace practices, and designated camping areas are available along the trail.
How do hikers arrange transportation for a one-way section hike?
A two-car shuttle is the most practical solution, parking one vehicle at the far end of Section 1 and starting from the NC-24/27 trailhead. An out-and-back to a midpoint and back to the start is the alternative for single-vehicle hikers.
Are equestrians and mountain bikers allowed on the Uwharrie Trail?
Some segments of the Uwharrie Trail corridor are shared with equestrians and mountain bikers. The specific designations for Section 1 can be confirmed with the Uwharrie National Forest ranger district before the hike.