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By: CJ Rena Johnson
Uwharrie National Forest and OHV Park… a little
something for everyone!
Not the cleanest outdoor activity
around! But what a way to stay cool!
Side -x-Side in Uwharrie Mud
4x4 in Uwharrie Mud
ATV in the Uwharrie Mud
There is primitive camping on Uwharrie
OHV trail system. |
Uwharrie National Forest has something to
offer everyone. Not only do they have some great
and challenging trails for ATVers, dirt bikers
and 4x4 enthusiasts, they also offer horseback
riding, camping, fishing, boating, hiking,
paddling, mountain biking, swimming and picnic
areas.
You don’t even have to have your own toys to
enjoy all these different activities. ATV, Jet
Ski, Canoe and Kayak rentals are available at
the nearby Uwharrie Stables. They will even
deliver them to the riding/use area for you. You
can learn about some of these opportunities by
going to
www.uwharriestables.com. Always
call ahead to confirm availability
(910-572-1614). Wine and Kayaking tours are also
available in the area. There is something to
interest everyone in the family. Some of the
picnic areas within the Uwharrie Park system can
even be rented by the day for group functions,
so bring out all your family and friends for a
day of fun and excitement for everyone.
The OHV trails in the Uwharrie National
Forest can be a bit challenging to some riders.
Always exercise caution, use the buddy system
and never ride beyond your ability and
experience. Take it slow and easy on any trail
with which you are not familiar. Some of the
trails are open to several different types of
riders and many of them are open to two-way
traffic as well, so please be extra cautious
when riding on those. You never know when you
will go around a curve and meet someone head on
or run upon a 4x4 trying to get up an
intimidating rock face.
One enthusiast I talked to put it this way “If
you’re looking to do some hardcore woods riding,
Uwharrie is not the place. Uwharrie is about
something totally different. Its where all kinds
of off roaders come together and share their
love of what we do. Spend some time at the top
of Daniel (trail); watching (and) talking to all
the interesting people this lifestyle brings to
a wooded hillside on a Sunday afternoon. Pull
over to the side of the trail and watch Jeep
club after Nissan club after 4x4 club cruise by.
This is what people spend their nights in the
garage working on just to come out and show off
their stuff. Not to sound too corny, but
Uwharrie is about the rides and the people that
build and drive them and the support systems
behind them (family and friends). When I go to
Uwharrie, it’s the only place I leave the race
bikes in the building and just cruise a rancher
(with) camera in tow. This place guarantees
photo ops.”
Obviously there are diehard fans of this OHV
riding area and the only way to know if it is
for you is to visit it yourself. So, grab some
friends and family and head on out. Everyone can
find something enjoyable in the area.
Many historical facts make Uwharrie a great
interest spot for all kinds of people. For
example, one of the first documented gold
discoveries in America was made at the nearby
Reed Gold Mine, it was then known as the Reed
family farm. The first nugget is believed to
have weighed around 17 pounds and was found by
John Reed’s son Conrad. They used it as a
doorstop in the family home for the next three
years until a visiting jeweler discovered its
true nature. This sparked one of the first gold
rushes in American history. You can learn more
about this by visiting nearby Reed Gold Mine.
It is also commonly believed that the Uwharrie
Mountains are the oldest mountain ranges in
North America. According to scientists, they
were formed as volcanic islands over 500 million
years ago. They believe, at one time, the peaks
reached 20,000 feet. However, due to erosion and
other natural factors, the highest peak today is
less than 1,000 feet.
Uwharrie National Forest and OHV Park have so
much to offer everyone. It is definitely worth
the time spent to check out all they have
available. One of the many websites available
for information about them is
www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/uwharrie/.
One of my favorite things about the OHV Park is
being able to camp right on the OHV trail
system. Primitive camping is permitted along the
trails unless posted as a No Camping area. Be
sure not to obstruct the trail in any way and
always leave the areas better than you found
them. Primitive camping is free. There are
several campgrounds available in the Uwharrie
NF, as well. The campgrounds vary in cost from
$8–15.00 depending on amenities which can
include any of the following: hand pump water,
port-a-potties, tables, grills, running water
spigots, flush toilets, showers, laundry
facilities, wash sinks, lamp posts, etc. The
campgrounds located near the OHV area include:
Uwharrie Hunt Camp, Badin Lake campground and
Arrowhead Campground. Again, call ahead for
availability.
The fees to ride at Uwharrie are minimal at
$5.00 per day per OHV or $30 for an annual pass.
They cannot be purchased at the trailhead so be
sure to plan ahead and visit one of the OHV
Trail pass venders.
Three of the venders on Highway 109 are Mullinix
store in Uwharrie, Eldorado Outpost in Eldorado,
and Jake’s Store in Troy. They are also
available at Swift Island BP at the intersection
of Highway 24/27 and River Road and at the
Uwharrie National Forest District Office during
the week located at 789 Highway 24/27 East in
Troy N.C. Be sure to call ahead for hours of
business and current availability at the vender
of your choice. The contact number for the
Uwharrie Forest District office is 910-576-6391.
You must display the season passes on the left
rear fender of ATVs and dirt bikes and the lower
left corner of windshield for 4-wheel drive
vehicles. Daily passes must be attached to the
handlebars of ATVs and dirt bikes and
prominently displayed on all other 4-Wheel drive
vehicles.
These are just some of the many reasons to load
up your ATV and head on out to Uwharrie for a
weekend of fun, thrills and excitement.
Maybe I will see you out there. As always,
choose now to have an awesome day!
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