Trailhead
NC Highway 24/27 trailhead (south terminus)
MI 0 · ≈564 ft
Southern end of the Uwharrie Trail, about 10 miles west of Troy, per the U.S. Forest Service.
29 miles through Uwharrie National Forest's low, worn-down mountains in central North Carolina, past old home sites, cemeteries, and 19th-century gold mines. Easy to moderate; no permit needed.
“Traverse Uwharrie National Forest on the Uwharrie Trail.”
Plan your Uwharrie National Forest trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Uwharrie Trail
Uwharrie Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Uwharrie Trail permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 29mi
Uwharrie Trail elevation profile
NC Highway 24/27 trailhead (south terminus) to SR 1306 / Flint Hill Road (north terminus)Trailhead
NC Highway 24/27 trailhead (south terminus)
Southern end of the Uwharrie Trail, about 10 miles west of Troy, per the U.S. Forest Service.
Mile 0 of 20
0 NC Highway 24/27 trailhead (south terminus)20 SR 1306 / Flint Hill Road (north terminus)
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- ≈564 ft
Uwharrie Trail landmarks
Map of the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail, NC Highway 24/27 trailhead (south terminus) to SR 1306 / Flint Hill Road (north terminus)
3 of 3 places in this section
Loading the map
Terrain USGS 3DEP · Water USGS NHD · Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors
How to get an Uwharrie Trail permit
As of November 2026, Uwharrie Trail in Uwharrie National Forest, North Carolina requires a permit issued via walk-up. Uwharrie Trail rates 3/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Uwharrie Trail route covers 29 miles, rated moderate.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- NC
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Official permit page →Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
Learn more:
More on Uwharrie Trail: Live availability activity
Guides: Uwharrie Trail permit guide
The Uwharrie Trail hike
- Distance
- 29 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 2-3 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
How hard the Uwharrie Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Uwharrie Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (≈564 ft)
As of Nov 12
Wed
☁️
73°
42°
Thu
🌧️
69°
46°
Fri
☁️
56°
39°
Sat
⛅
51°
36°
Sun
☁️
54°
33°
Mon
☁️
54°
36°
Tue
☁️
57°
35°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Uwharrie Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Uwharrie Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Uwharrie Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Uwharrie Trail FAQ
Do I need a permit to backpack the Uwharrie Trail?
No specific permit was confirmed; general Forest Service dispersed-camping rules apply.
How long is the Uwharrie Trail?
29 miles, from NC 24/27 near Troy to SR 1306 near Ophir.
What is the Dutchman's Creek Trail?
A yellow-blazed alternate loop on the southern half of the Uwharrie Trail.
Where can I camp on the Uwharrie Trail?
Wood Run Hunt Camp, Yates Place Camp, and West Morris Mountain Campground.
How difficult is the Uwharrie Trail?
Easy to moderate, per the Forest Service.
What historical features are along the Uwharrie Trail?
Old home sites, cemeteries, and gold mines.
How many trailheads does the Uwharrie Trail have?
Five main trailheads.
Uwharrie Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
If you've been on this trail recently, help others by reporting current conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about Uwharrie Trail.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to an Uwharrie Trail permit
Where to stay near Uwharrie Trail
- Morrow Mountain State Park campgroundNorth Carolina
- Canebrake Horse CampNational Forests in North Carolina
- Arrowhead CampgroundNational Forests in North Carolina
- All North Carolina campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
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