Uwharrie National Forest — Attraction in Troy

We avidly visit National Forests for camping and hiking excursions. Because of the proximity to our home, Uwharrie National Forest is the one we visit most. We enjoy this forest and the creeks. Moccasin Creek is always beautiful with plenty of visitors for multiple reasons. During our hikes along this creek, we have encountered many people. We often stop to talk to them because if we're all there, then we all have something in common. At a minimum, the commonality among us is our love for nature and the outdoors. We have met hunters, gold panners, and families, and we often see horseback riders passing through. Sometimes we encounter people with their dogs. Only once have our nerves been stirred a little. This was when we encountered a group of three horseback riders who had six dogs with them. The dogs seemed to be somewhat aggressive, with two of them requiring their owners to hold them back while we passed through.

Uhwarrie is a gorgeous Forest. There are many camping spots, opportunities to go fishing, and plenty of wildlife. There are also a few ATV trails for those who enjoy riding.

Some camping spots are harder to reach than others due to the nature of the terrain. Uhwarrie has a lot of hills and slopes. There are only a few things I would warn visitors of. Bears. I can guarantee there are a lot of bears. Because we tend to veer off the trails, we have walked upon multiple very large bear dens and quietly removed ourselves from the vicinities of these dens as quickly as possible. Snakes. What hiker though, would not expect to see snakes such as copperheads, while on their adventure? We do not approach and we do not harm. We simply walk away without disturbing them. This is their home, after all. Large, and I mean uncomfortably large, Spiders. I am sure these spiders are harmless but if you have arachnophobia, as I do, you'll simply want to be aware of your surroundings. Ticks. Ticks are everywhere. Even in our backyards. So, you may want to wear something like "Off" and check yourself well after hiking.

Please don't let my warnings deter you because these are things to expect in most forests.

Trail maps are available online and if you remain on the trails, you're pretty much safe from harm, and in for a great adventure as well as really nice memories to...

Today I had the opportunity to go up to Uwharrie National Forest and hike the Badin Lake. Today was the perfect day for it, the sun was out and the weather was just right. Initially I stopped at the gas station in Eldorado (I think it was), where the Jeep picture came from. There was a bunch of jeepers there!

Not long in the hike, I came across the cross picture, and it was placed there for a young lady who had passed away. Not sure if she had passed away on the lake or just that's where family wanted her memorial to be. Once the trail moved away from the Lake, it crossed paths with a horse trail, which that was the first time any of my trails were able to have any horses on it, and it was just magnificent.

Although it was a short hike, when I was about three-quarters of the way through there was this amazing clear area where I was able to sit and read my book for a half hour. I was able to sit on a down tree right next to the lake and it was great.

Lastly on my trip, comes the snake picture. I walked right up on this snake! Moments after I backed up I noticed it didn't move very quick. It definitely was injured, it had a banged up head. I felt bad that someone didn't make sure to finish it. Since it was Sunday, there was no one I Googled that could come and get it. So, I got it off the trail pathway. But I am thankful I am alive and not in a hospital.

Thanks for reading my story! Please...

We stayed at several free campsites throughout the forest. Most were full of trash, even though the rules say "take you trash with you on the way out". If you plan on camping in the free areas, bring extra trashbags for your trash and the cleaning you will have to do before you camp. We hiked and rock climbed around the end of 576. We were around 80 ft above water level and still found beer botles, beer cans and other trash. Rangers, host, or any official were to nowhere to be found throughout our stay. Maintnance and upkeep is not done for any of the free areas in Uwharrie National Forest. This means, in order to keep the national forest clean, you must clean up after yourself. This place would be perfect for primitive / dispersed camping if not for disrespectful and childish campers. Also, do not cut down living trees - pick up dead ones for firewood - green trees do not burn anyway. Shower houses - $3 person/day at the paid campgrounds and payment is on the honor system at the pay tubes located at the entrance to the paid campsites. Drinking water via tap / hose is also available for free at the shower houses along with toilets.

Cell signal is spotty depending on location and altitude, so if an emergency arises you might have trouble calling for help. GPS never failed during our trip. PS- Trash cans are located at every parking lot and shower houses throughout the...