Outdoor RecreationOutdoor Recreation
Lakes Rivers Cycling Equestrian Shooting Hiking/Birding Golf
Central Park Lakes
Water sports are plentiful in the Uwharrie chain of lakes—Badin Lake, Lake Tillery, Blewett Falls, High Rock Lake, Falls Reservoir, and Tuckertown Reservoir.
 Central Park Rivers
Canoe or kayak the Central Park rivers: Uwharrie, Rocky, Little, Bear Creek, Deep, Yadkin, and Pee Dee rivers.
The Yadkin-Pee Dee river basin is full of history, from Daniel Boone's hunting grounds along the Yadkin shore to the place where Tom Dooley was buried after his hanging in 1868. And there are tales of Indians, lots of Indians. The Yadkin-Pee Dee River Valley is believed to be the site of a major Indian settlement. Some signs of those early settlers remain in large, V-shaped fish traps that face downstream and can be seen where the river is low (one is located below Huntsville and the Hwy 64 access area, another was recently uncovered outside Franklinville).
White settlers, who followed the Indians, also used the Yadkin for travel and trade in the early 1700's. Although some sections of its muddy waters churn and trip, the Yadkin is basically a lazy river that meanders along its course and belies its history as a strong trading route. This pastoral, scenic river is one the whole family can enjoy.
The Yadkin River snakes southward to from Davidson County's western border opening into High Rock Lake. From High Rock the River passes through Tuckertown,Narrows and Falls dams before joining the Uwharrie river. The junction of the Uwharrie and the Yadkin marks the end of the Yadkin and the beginning of the Pee Dee River .
The Rocky River begins north of Charlotte near Mooresville. It flows southeast before swinging toward the east to join the Pee Dee River below Lake Tillery. It drains a watershed of about 1,500 square miles. Reed Gold Mine, location of the first authenticated discovery of gold in the United States, is on Little Meadow Creek, a tributary 5 miles north of the Section 1 put-in. In 1799, a 17-pound nugget was found in the creek. The mine has been preserved as a state historic site and is open to the public.
The Deep River begins west of Greensboro and above High Point. It flows southeast passing near Asheboro and turning east near High Falls, one of many small mill towns built on the banks of the Deep. It forms the border between Chatham and Lee Counties, and below Moncure the Deep meets the Haw to form the Cape Fear.
Also be sure to visit Grassy Island, a remote area of the state that offers access to unique river marshes with an abundance of wildlife along the Pee Dee river. Grassy Island is best accessed by boat from Mountain Creek Boat Landing in Richmond County.
Planning a trip to NC's Central Park? Need to have an excursion ready and waiting for your arrival in Central Park? Uwharrie Tours specializes in a variety of exciting torus and excursions in the Uwharries. With an array of options, it makes planning your vacation getaway that much easier.
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Central Park Cycling
There are over 350 miles of rural roads to explore in North Carolina's Central Park and over 60 miles of mountain bike trails. Central Park NC has something to offer every cyclist whether it be a leisurely ride or an epic adventure. For more information, get a copy of Road Biking North Carolina by Judi Lawson Wallace, available in paperback from Falcon Press, 2003.
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Historic Salisbury Ramble
The Historic Salisbury Ramble is an easy, leisurely 11.6-mile ride, designed to introduce you to the historic district in Salisbury and lead you to the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer. The first part of the route involves short distances and quick turns past numerous notable residences in the historic district. At Mile 1.9 the route straightens out on the way to the museum. From there a few turns lead you out into the country for a brief respite before Bringle Ferry Road brings you back into the heart of Salisbury’s downtown.
Location: Salisbury, NC (11.6 miles)
Horse Country Ramble
A delightful 22.3-mile ride, the Horse Country Ramble loops through the southeastern part of Moore County, home to myriad horse farms and stables. The route begins at the Campbell House in Southern Pines then heads east toward the crossroads of Hog Island. At Mile 12.4 the route turns north toward Lakeview then meanders through the countryside before turning south toward the small town of Niagara. From there the route returns in a fairly straight shot to Southern Pines and the Campbell House. From the guidebook "Road Biking North Carolina"
Location: Southern Pines, NC (22.3 miles)
House in the Horseshoe Ramble
The House in the Horseshoe Ramble, a relatively easy 20.5-mile ride, starts at Courthouse Square in the charming small town of Carthage. With just a few turns, the route travels along rural roads with pastures and forests directly to the Revolutionary War site at the Alston House, also known as the House in the Horseshoe. The ride is an out-and-back, part of which follows the Tour de Moore bike route.
Location: Carthage, NC (20.5 miles)
Pinehurst Ramble
The Pinehurst Ramble at 16.8 miles is a fairly easy ride from downtown Southern Pines to Pinehurst, through the village, then back again. Much of the route is tree-lined, and traffic speeds are low, except along Midland Road where the speed limit is 45 mph. However, the four lanes on Midland Road offer additional space for cyclists in the right lane. Maneuvering around the traffic circle between the two towns requires that cyclists behave like vehicle operators, yielding to traffic already in the circle but staying on the right side of the lane for easy exit on Midland Road. The effort is worth it as you tour the quaint village of Pinehurst before returning along the same route to Southern Pines.
Location: Pinehurst, NC (6.8 miles)
Pottery Country Cruise
As the name implies, the Pottery Country Cruise takes you 35.5 miles along the back roads of Moore County where a community of potters has lived and worked since the 1700s. Beginning at Jugtown Pottery with its weathered wooden buildings and pottery display, the route travels east, parallel to the county line for about 10 miles, before it turns south and then southwest to the town of Robbins. This town, at about the halfway point, offers a few restaurants and a good resting spot. From Robbins the route goes west and then turns north to return to Jugtown Pottery.
Location: Jugtown, NC (5.5 miles)
Richmond County Cruise
The Richmond County Cruise links three charming and historic small towns in Richmond County—Ellerbe, Rockingham, and Hamlet—on a 33.7-mile ride. The tour begins at the Rankin Museum in Ellerbe at the edge of peach country, then travels cross-country to the county seat of Rockingham, where the main street circles the county courthouse in the downtown. From Rockingham it’s a short distance to Hamlet, which served as a major hub for the Seaboard Atlantic Railroad at its picturesque and historic depot. The return route passes Ledbetter Lake then retraces the initial part of the route beginning at the intersection at Greenleaf Church.
Location: Ellerbe, NC (33.7 miles)
Tour de Moore Classic
The Tour de Moore Classic takes its name and its route from the 100-mile bicycle road race around the perimeter of the county every April. This very challenging ride begins at the Campbell House in downtown Southern Pines and makes a clockwise loop around the county. On the way it passes through the Scottish stronghold of Aberdeen, through Jackson Springs and Eagle Springs on the west side of the county, through pottery country in the northwest corner, and along the northern border with Randolph and Chatham Counties. Just north of Glendon it turns due south, skirting Carthage before heading east to Cameron. From there it swoops south to Lobelia then west through horse country as it returns to the starting point in Southern Pines. Most of this route covers very rural areas with minimal services; plan your trip accordingly, and carry sufficient water and snacks.
Location: Southern Pines, NC (113.3 miles)
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Mountain Biking
Wood Run Mountain Bike Trail System
As of spring 1998, there are three main routes open to mountain bikes in the Wood Run Area of the Uwharrie National Forest.
Wood Run Road
The gated and graveled road leading out from the NC 24/27 trailhead parking lot. Riding out and back is 11 miles. Wood Run Camp, a small open field, is located 1.4 miles down this road from the trailhead.
Supertree Trail
Both ends connect to the east side of Wood Run Road. Ride this loop clockwise for more single-track downhill. Supertree is named for a stand of experimental Loblolly Pines along the route.
Keyauwee Trail
Both ends connect to the west side of Wood Run Road. Ride this loop counter clockwise for more single-track downhill. Keyauwee is named for the last band of Native Americans to live in the Uwharrie Lakes Region.
Where Not To Ride
The Uwharrie and Dutchmens Creek hiking trails are not open to mountain bikes. These trails are blazed with single white and yellow paint blazes.
Please respect this rule and only ride on the Wood Run Mountain Bike Trails. These trails will be marked with the double, white paint blazes. Look for signs with the UMBA symbol, signifying bike and hiker use.
Getting to the Trails
Wood Run Trailhead is located on NC 24/27 between Albemarle and Troy and two miles east of Bridges over Lake Tillery/Pee Dee River.
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Uwharrie Stables
Offer a variety of choices for the equine adventurist including boarding, horseback riding, and camping.
The Forks Stables
Situated just over 40 miles east of Charlotte, North Carolina, the estate spans over 1,300 acres where horses and their riders can peacefully coexist with the open land and its wildlife.
McLendon Hill Equestrian Center
Offers horseback riding for visitors, pony rides, ad riding lessons are also available.
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Shooting
Tobacco Stick Hunting Preserve
Tobacco Stick Hunting Preserve and Kennel is a retired rural tobacco farm in the Southern Piedmont of North Carolina. This Hunting Preserve has been established for the purpose of hunting upland game in a manner reminiscent of the 1940's and 50's. Bring your own dog, or choose a guided hunt with our dogs. Morning, afternoon and all day hunts are offered on acreage that is planned and managed with grasses, food plots, and timber to create a natural habitat for the birds and a pleasing visit for the hunters.
The Fork Farm
The Fork's extraordinary setting, convenient location, amenities, and size make it an ideal choice for weddings, parties, business and social events, corporate meetings, and conferences. Guests can enjoy any number of activities including hayrides, organized trail rides, cross-country schooling, educational activities, sporting clays, shooting games, and hunting (Quail, Pheasant, & Duck) or some of the events hosted by The Fork Farm, such as the Outdoor Heritage Days, The Fork Classic, and The Fork Horse Trials.
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Hiking/Birding
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge has 8,443 acres spread over Anson and Richmond Counties in the southern Piedmont of North Carolina and is part of the Savannah-Santee-Pee Dee Ecosystem. The Pee Dee River flows through the refuge for nearly five miles. Headquarters is located on US Highway 52, seven miles north of Wadesboro, NC. The refuge was established in 1963 to provide habitat for migratory waterfowl and migratory songbirds. The diversity of habitats and management programs supports a broad range of wildlife species, including over 168 birds. 49 amphibians and reptiles, 28 mammals and 20 fish species. Key birds: Summer: Chuck-will’s-widow; Whip-poor-will; Prothonotary, Hooded, and Kentucky Warbler; Grasshopper Sparrow; Indigo Bunting; Blue Grosbeak. Winter: Snow Goose; Sedge Wren; sparrows. Year-round: Bald Eagle; Brown-headed Nuthatch; Red-headed Woodpecker.
 Uwharrie National Forest
The Uwharrie Mountains are considered to be the oldest on the North American continent. Evidence of early Indians dates back over 12,000 years.
The Forest is located within a 2-hour drive from the largest population centers in the State. Recreational use is growing, especially in the Badin Lake area and along the 20-mile, Uwharrie National Recreation Trail.
The Uwharrie provides a variety of natural resources, including clean rivers and streams, diverse vegetation for scenery, wildlife habitat and wood products. There is also a wide variety of recreational activities, and the Forest is a natural setting for tourism and economic development.
These include:
Uwharrie National Recreational Trail & Dutchman's Creek Trail
Length: 20.5 miles (Uwharrie Trail); 9.5 miles (Dutchman's Creek Trail)
Recommended Season: Year Round
Use: Medium to Heavy
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trail Beginning: Trailhead parking on Highway 24/27, 10 miles west of Troy.
Trail End: Trailhead parking on SR 1306, 2 miles east of Ophir.
Access: Three main trailhead parking lots provide access to the trail. These include the beginning and ending points, and one on Highway 109, eight miles west of Troy. Other roads also cross the trail.
The Birkhead Mountain Wilderness Trail
From Troy, NC take Hwy. 109 North to the village of Uwharrie and turn right onto Ophir Road (SR 1134). Ophir Road becomes Burney Mill Road as you cross into Randolph County. Continue on to the intersection of Lassiter Mill Road and turn right. Proceed north on Lassiter Mill to either of the trailhead locations as depicted on the map.
From Asheboro, NC take Hwy. 49 South approximately 6 miles. Turn right onto Science Hill Road. About a fourth of a mile further, at the "T" intersection, turn left (south) onto Lassiter Mill Road. Continue on to the two trailhead locations as depicted on the map.
Denson's Creek Trail
Recommended Season: Year Round
Use: Medium to Heavy
Difficulty: Easy to moderate Length: 2.3 miles; 0.75 miles (short loop)
Trail Beginning/Access: 2 Miles east of Troy on hwy 24/27 behind District Office.
Denson's Creek Trail is an interpretive trail constructed by the Youth Conservation Corps in 1974. The trail includes a short loop of 3/4 miles and a long loop of 2.3 miles. A brochure guides the hiker through 17 stops of historical and biological interest.
Before the Uwharrie National Forest was established, much of its area was cutover, abandoned farmland. Today, instead of cutover land, you can enjoy a mix of pines and hardwoods that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Along the Densons Creek Nature Trail, you can see where forests have replaced farm fields and where an old homestead once stood. You can see a wildlife opening that attracts deer and turkey to the former site of a sawmill.
The trail is behind the Uwharrie National Forest office on NC 24/27, 2 miles east of Troy. This trail has two loops: a short loop of 0.75 miles and a longer loop of 2.3 miles. Benches along the trail provide a resting spot or a place for watching wildlife. You can pick up a trail brochure that points out the historic site locations and some of the plant life along the way. Numbered posts correspond to short descriptions in the brochure. You'll also find about a dozen trees identified beside the trail.
The path is well-marked and leads through a mature forest of mixed pine and hardwoods. Mountain laurel bushes line the way, and their pink and white blossoms add a touch of color to the trail during springtime. Tapering ferns cover the moist soil beside the streams. Running cedar carpets the drier sections. The path leads beside an old sawmill site that is now a food plot for wildlife. Early morning hikers may spot deer or a wild turkey feeding here if they are quiet. Stroll past old farms and home sites that have gone back to nature. This is a nice little adventure for the family.
Badin Lake Hiking Trail
Length: 5.6 miles; 2.5-mile short loop
Recommended Seasons: Year Round
Use: Medium to Heavy
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Beginning: Boat Ramp and Picnic Area, 15 miles northwest of Troy.
Access: From Hwy 109 west of Troy, follow signs to Badin Lake and Cove Boat Ramp and Picnic Area.
The Badin Lake Hiking Trail is a loop trail that follows the shore of Badin Lake for half its distance, then loops back through hardwood forest to Cove Boat Ramp. A short loop of 2.5-miles can be hiked, as well as the entire 5.6 miles. The trail was constructed by the Youth Conservation Corps in 1979 and 1980. High water levels cause some stretches to get boggy, especially near the creeks that empty into the lake. Backpackers looking for a waterfront camping experience will find it here. It is a great place to camp and fish from the shore. Easy access and gentle terrain make the Badin Lake Hiking Trail a good choice for family hikes. Keep an eye out for the bald eagles that fly over the lake.
Badin Lake Hiking Trail skirts coves of Badin Lake and offers scenic views of the lake. The area has abundant cedars, mosses, and wild flowers. Evidence of past gold mining can be seen along the trail.
Morrow Mountain State Park
Recreation is plentiful in and around the waters of Lake Tillery and the Pee Dee River. Fishing, boating and swimming are popular pastimes. Nature lovers can pick from miles of trails to travel on foot or horseback. And for those who want to stay and take it all in, cabins and camping are available. There's really only one word to describe Morrow Mountain State Park - variety. Use the family car or RV, horseback or canoe, put on a pair of hiking boots or dip bare feet in the river, or bait your favorite fishing pole. A visit to Morrow Mountain lets you choose your kind of adventure.
Sandhills Game Preserve
 The Sandhills Game Land comprises one of the most extensive and accessible longleaf pine habitats in North Carolina. Offering a great cross section of the topography and habitat typical of the Sandhills region, the game land contains longleaf pine woodlands, streamhead pocosins, and seepage bogs. The area's rolling topography distinguishes it from the flatter and lower terrain in the outer Coastal Plain. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission manages the area with prescribed burns, which helps maintain the various longleaf pine communities.
The N.C. Wildlife Commission manages the Sandhills Game Land for public use. The game land is open for hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. The Department of Defense also uses the game land for training exercises, so visitors may encounter military personnel. The game land is a popular hunting site, so be sure to check the hunting schedules before you visit. The Sandhills Game Land offers miles and miles of dirt and sand roads that crisscross the property providing visitors infinite hiking, biking, horseback riding, and birding opportunities. (Drivers and bikers should be aware of deep sand in some areas.)
Eagle Point Nature Preserve
Over three miles of trails with observation overlooks. From exits 75 or 79 off of I-85 follow signs to Dan Nicholas Park. Continue past Dan Nicholas Park down Bringle Ferry Road. After crossing High Rock Lake, Black Road is the second paved left. Turn onto Black Road and continue approximately 3/4 mile to the end. The gate is on the right.
Dan Nichols Park
This 410 acre park, located 8 miles southeast of Salisbury, offers family-oriented outdoor adventure featuring fishing and paddleboating on the 10-acre lake, picnic tables and shelters, miniature golf and playground, petting barn and live animal exhibits, and scenic walking trails. Relive childhood memories on the 1950s miniature train ride and the colorful "Haden's Carousel." 80-site campground is open year round with shaded trailer and tent sites that guarantee a pleasant stay. Autumn Jubilee held annually the first weekend in October.
Address:
6800 Bringle Ferry Road
Salisbury, NC 28146
Boone's Cave Park
The park includes a small picnic area, several hiking trails, river access, and a small cave thought to be Daniel Boone’s hideout.
Address:
Boone's Cave Park Road off Hwy 150, Churchland in Davidson County.
Kerr Mill at Sloan Park
This restored grist mill, originally built in 1823, now houses a museum of Americana.
Address:
550 Sloan Road,
Mt. Ulla, NC
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Golf
Public
Foxwood Golf Club
940 Potneck Rd
Salisbury, NC
(704) 637-2528
McCanless Golf Course
3515 Stokesferry Road
Salsibury, NC
(704) 637-1235
Mountain Brook Golf Club
29440 Nelson Mountain Rd
Albemarle, NC
(704) 983-4653
Lexington Golf Club
200 Country Club Blvd
Lexington, NC
(336) 248-3950
Loch Haven Golf Course
612 Loch Haven Rd
Rockingham, NC
(910) 895-3295
Old North State Club
Uwharrie Point Pkwy
Badin Lake, NC
(336) 461-2610
Richmond Pines Country Club
Highway 1
Rockingham, NC
(910) 895-3279
Winding Creek Golf Course
458 Pine Woods Church Rd
Thomasville, NC
(336) 475-5580
Semi-Private
Montgomery Country Club
1235 NC Highway 134 N
Troy, NC
(910) 576-1487
Tot Hill Farm Golf Club
3185 Tot Hill Farm Rd
Asheboro, NC
(336) 857 4450
Corbin Hills Golf Course
431 Wildwood Drive
Salisbury, NC
(704) 636-0672
Crescent Golf Club
220 Laurel Valley Way
Salisbury, NC
(704) 647-0025
Rolling Hills Golf Club
275 Par Drive
Salisbury, NC
(704) 633-8125
Warrior Golf Club
890 Lake Wright Road
China Grove, NC
(704) 856-0871
Badin Inn Golf Resort & Club
1 Pine Circle Drive
Badin, NC
(704) 422-3683
Piney Point Golf Club
48688 Piney Point Road
Norwood, NC
(704) 474-7619
The Tillery Tradition Country Club
214 Tradition Drive
Mt. Gilead, NC
(910) 439-5146
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