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.
More about Uwharrie National ForestPlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Uwharrie Trail permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 29mi
How to get an Uwharrie Trail permit
As of September 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.
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 the managing agency's website 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.
More on Uwharrie Trail: Live availability activity
The Uwharrie Trail hike
- Distance
- 29 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 2-3 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Uwharrie Trail elevation profile
NC Highway 24/27 trailhead (south terminus) to SR 1306 / Flint Hill Road (north terminus)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
- 0.0
- Elevation
- 657 ft
- From start
- +0 ft
Southern end of the Uwharrie Trail, about 10 miles west of Troy, per the U.S. Forest Service.
A designated camping area along the trail within Uwharrie National Forest.
Junction with the yellow-blazed Dutchman's Creek Trail, an alternate loop route on the trail's southern half.
A designated camping area along the trail.
A designated camping area along the trail near Morris Mountain.
On the trail's northern section, described by the Forest Service as offering an excellent western view.
Northern end of the Uwharrie Trail, about 2 miles east of Ophir, per the U.S. Forest Service.
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 (5,000 ft)
Today
79°
54°
Mon
80°
55°
Tue
84°
57°
Wed
87°
60°
Thu
87°
62°
Fri
87°
66°
Sat
71°
57°
30%
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
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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
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Questions
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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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