Day Hiking

Day Hiking Areas

• Croatan National Forest

  Welcome to the Croatan National Forest, one of four National Forests in North Carolina and the only true coastal forest in the East.  The Croatan National Forest's 160,000 acres have pine forests, saltwater estuaries, bogs and raised swamps called pocosins.  Bordered on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound, the forest is defined by water.

  All this water provides a variety of recreation and diversity of wildlife- from deer, black bears and turkeys to wading birds, ospreys and alligators.  Canoeing and fishing are popular on blackwater creeks and saltwater marshes.  The Croatan is also home to the carnivorous Venus fly-trap, sunder and pitcherplant. 

  The Croatan National Forest has one Ranger District, the Croatan Ranger District.  Please contact the District for more information.

  Camping and Day-use Information

  Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Croatan National Forest can be found here.

  Recreation Maps

  Croatan National Forest Maps

  Be Safe

  The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

• Catfish Area

  Catfish Lake Boat Launch and Waterfowl Impoundment

• Catfish Waterfowl Impoundment
• Cedar Point Recreation Area

  The Cedar Point Recreation Area, near the mouth of the White Oak River, is surrounded by a salt marsh and a coastal forest.  The salt marsh, where fresh water meets salt water, stretches out like a sea of grass.  This nutrient-rich wetland is a valuable "nursery" for commercial seafood, including fish, shrimp, crabs and oysters.

  A small-craft boat ramp and fishing pier provides easy access to the river and its bounty. The shallow water is suited to flat-bottom boats. Canoes and kayaks can navigate the maze of canals through the salt march. From the boat ramp, paddle around the point, then pass under the boardwalk of the Tideland Trail. Be aware of the tides; an extremely low tide can leave some canals dry. The loop is shown on the map is about 2 miles and can be completed in half a day.

  The campground has 36 sites with electrical hookups, a bathhouse with flush toilets, warm showers, drinking water and a ramp for shallow water boats. Picnic tables are nearby. The Cedar Point Tideland Trail crosses boardwalks to explore the salt marsh and the life above and beneath.

   

  Common birds around the salt marsh:

  Osprey*, Red-tail hawk, Turkey vulture, Fish crow, Common egret, Snowy egret, Great blue heron, Tri-colored heron, Little blue heron, Red-winged blackbird, Boat-tail grackle, Belted kingfisher.

  Common birds in the forest:

  Carolina chikadee, Brown-headed nuthatch, Tufted titmouse, Northern mockingbird, Brown thrasher, Caolinawren, Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Pine warbler, Northern cardinal, Rufous-sided tewhee, Eastern bluebird, Red-bellied woodpecker, Red-headed woodpecker, Pileated woodpecker

  *Mostly Mar-Oct. All others are year-round residents

  Common Mammals:

  White-tailed deer, Raccoon

  Other Common Wildlife:

  Marsh periwinkle, Fiddler crabs, Blue crabs, Oysters, Mud crabs, numerous insects, Green anole lizard, Eastern fence lizard.

  Check out the brochure.

• Cedar Point Campground
• Tideland National Recreation Trail
• Flanners Beach/Neuse River Recreation Area

  Neuse River Campground and Trails

  Situated on a bank of the Neuse River and under tall pines and hardwoods, the Neuse River Recreation Area offers secluded campsites. The campground has reopened but the picnic area and beach are temporarily closed due to the impacts of Hurricane Florence. 

  For more information, read the Neuse River Recreation Opportunity Guide.

  You can also view these maps for the area: Neuse River Campground, Neuse River Recreation Area Overview, and Neuse River Recreation Opportunity Guide.

• Flanners Beach/Neuse River Campground
• Neuse River Trails
• Island Creek Trailhead
• Neusiok Area

  Neusiok Trails and Pine Cliff Picnic Area

• Neusiok Trail
• Pine Cliff Picnic Area
• Oyster Point Campground
• Patsy Pond Nature Trail
• Nantahala National Forest

  Welcome to the Nantahala National Forest! The Nantahala National Forest lies in the mountain and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. The largest of North Carolina's four National Forests, the Nantahala encompasses 531,148 acres with elevations ranging from 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County to 1,200 feet in Cherokee County along Hiwassee River. The Forest is divided into three Districts, Cheoah in Robbinsville, NC, Tusquitee in Murphy, NC, and the Nantahala in Franklin, NC. All district names come from the Cherokee language. "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "land of the noon day sun," a fitting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley floor at midday.The Nantahala National Forest was established in 1920 under authority of the 1911 Weeks Act. This act provided authority to acquire lands for national forests to protect watersheds, to provide timber, and to regulate the flow of navigable streams. In the Nantahala National Forest, visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities from whitewater rafting to camping. With over 600 miles of trails, opportunities exist for hikers, mountain bikers, horse-back riders and off-highway vehicle riders.

  Camping and Day-use Information

  Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Nantahala National Forest can be found here.

  Recreation Maps

  Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps

  Be Safe

  The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

  Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

• Cheoah Ranger District

  The Cheoah Ranger District has 120,500 acres in Graham and Swain Counties. These lands surround four large mountain reservoirs and contain numerous streams. Fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, hunting, hiking, and viewing fall colors are some popular activities. From the Cherohala Skyway, you can enjoy mountain vistas. The Appalachian Trail and other trails make up a network of some 320 miles that cross the district. The district offers trails for horseback riders, mountain bikers, short-distance hikers, and backpackers. Several lakeside, streamside, and scenic developed campgrounds, and picnic areas provide a variety of outdoor experiences.

• Appalachian Trail #1-02
• Big Fat Gap Trailhead
• Cable Cove Recreation Area

  This area offers hiking with boating access on Fontana Lake. Cable Cove is 4 miles from Fontana Dam and the Appalachian Trail. The campground and restrooms are closed.

• Cable Cove Nature Trail #58
• Cable Gap Trail #403
• Cheoah River Area

  The Cheoah River, located near Robbinsville, NC, is a nine-mile section of waterway between the Santeetlah Dam and Lake Calderwood. Typical water flows average 250 cubic feet per second (cfs), but approximately 20 times per year Brookfield Renewable Resources, Inc. releases water from the dam to mimic natural flood events to benefit a variety of endangered and threatened species that live in the river ecosystem. A secondary benefit of these releases is the recreational opportunity created by the release of approximately 1000 cfs of water, resulting in a Class IV-V whitewater run while water is being released. The US Forest Service currently permits three authorized outfitters to provide rafting opportunities during river releases, and many private boaters also use the river during these releases. 

  There is one primary put-in access site, two secondary access sites, and a river takeout site located at Magazine Branch on Calderwood Lake. The Cheoah River is unusual for rivers of its volume in the Southeast in that its gradient is relatively constant. This means that it is unusually continuous, more so than anything else with a similar volume of water in the Southeast. It is a whitewater run that should only be attempted by advanced to expert paddlers with the proper safety equipment and watercraft with a minimum of four internal air chambers or hard bottom canoes or kayaks, and only after careful consideration of all river hazards. The Cheoah River is one of the most difficult, technical rivers in the Southeast during high flow events. The rapids are large and continuous, with numerous hydraulics, rock ledges, vegetation, and other river features that can make self-rescue and extraction difficult. Do not attempt to float the Cheoah River during high flow release events unless you possess expert boating skills, are experienced in self-rescue in Class IV-V whitewater and using the proper gear and safety equipment, and only after a careful analysis of the river features and your own personal skill level.

  Fishing on the Cheoah River is considered excellent for smallmouth bass by either fly-fishing or spinning reel with light tackle. The Cheoah River also offers brook trout, rainbow trout, and largemouth bass. Hiking trails in the vicinity include the Appalachian Trail, Benton MacKaye Trail, and numerous hiking trails in the nearby Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness. The Tapoco Lodge, built in 1930 by the Aluminum Company of America as part of hydroelectric efforts in Graham and Swain counties of North Carolina, is located on the banks of Cheoah River. 

  Additional information regarding Cheoah River high flow events can be found on the Brookfield Renewable Resources, Inc. website. 

• Belding Trail #52
• Yellow Creek Mountain Trail #48
• Cherohala Skyway Area

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• Hooper Bald Trail #60
• Huckleberry Knob Trail #419
• Spirit Ridge Trail #420
• Strawberry Knob Trail #217H
• Fontana Area

  .

• Bee Cove #421
• Brooks Cove Trail #422
• Fontana Loop Trail #157
• Lewellyn Cove Nature Trail #50
• Lookout Rock Trail #40
• Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Area

  For hikers and backpackers, the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness presents a variety of recreational hiking opportunities. There is a relatively easy  two-mile long Memorial Loop Trail in the Memorial Forest, which annually greets more than 35,000 visitors,  or there is a complex of hiking trails that cater to more experienced hikers, such as the 13.3 mile long Slickrock Creek Trail, considered as one of the ten toughest trails in the United States.  With a 3,700 foot climb overall and 13 stream crossings, this trail is seldom completely traversed, but used in conjunction with the other trails in the Wilderness to provide excellent backpacking trips. 

  Other than at trailheads, camping is allowed anywhere within the Wilderness using Leave No Trace principles, but given the steepness of the topography, there are a few relatively heavily used back country camping areas.  Many fishermen enter the Wilderness from the north using the Slickrock Creek Trail, Ike Branch Trail or hike down to the creek from Big Fat Gap, camping along the creek.  Backpackers use the area at Naked Ground on the southern ridge, and there is an area near the Hangover that offers excellent views, but an unreliable water source.  Nichols Cove area has good camping spots with abundant water, and some hikers camp near Wildcat Falls, but long sections of the various trails lack suitable spots for camping.

  As a designated Wilderness, there are no trail blazes, just signs at trail junctions, so it is essential that hikers carry maps and compass, and know how to use them.  It is not uncommon for very experienced hikers to get “confused” for a while in the creek area due to the multiplicity of real trails, unofficial trails, old logging trails, etc.  Along the ridge, the trails are well-defined, but physically demanding. 

• Big Fat Trail #41
• Deep Creek Trail #46
• Hangover Alt. Trail #56A
• Hangover Lead Trail #56
• Haoe Lead Trail #53
• Ike Branch Trail #45
• Jenkins Meadow Trail #53A
• Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
• Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop Trail #43
• Naked Ground Alt. Trail #55A
• Naked Ground Trail #55
• Nichols Cove Trail #44
• Slickrock Creek Trail #42
• Stratton Bald Trail #54
• Windy Gap Trail #400
• Yellow Hammer Gap Trail #49
• Locust Cove Trail #404
• Maple Springs Trail #71
• Massey Branch Area

  Massey Branch Boat Launch, Fishing Pier and Massey Branch Fitness Trail #39

• Cheoah Trail #407
• Massey Branch Fitness Trail #39
• Snowbird Backcountry Area

  A bit larger than 8,000 acres, the Snowbird Area is protected as a Wilderness Study Area.  Frequently used by fishermen, and less so by backpackers, this roadless area encompasses the entire upper watershed of the creek, including the major tributaries Sassafras Branch and Meadow Branch.  The Snowbird Creek watershed is well-known for its trout fishing.  The Bemis Hardwood Lumber Company logged the valley in the early 1930’s.  Because of its low value at the time, most of the hemlock was left, and magnificent specimens, though dying, are scattered throughout the watershed.  Some large American chestnut trees remain at the upper end of the valley. Above High Falls, the creek supports a reproducing population of native brook trout.  Hooper Bald, one of the largest balds in the Southeast, lies adjacent to the upper boundary of the area.  Also near the top of the area is McGuires, site of an old hunting lodge.  The pens still stand from which Russian wild boars escaped into the neighboring mountains.  The area has several beautiful waterfalls.  Camping is allowed anywhere except at the trailheads, but Leave-No-Trace Principles should be followed to protect the pristine creeks. 

• Big Snowbird Trail #64
• Burntrock Ridge Trail #65A
• King Meadows Trail #63
• Middle Falls Alt. Trail #64B
• Middle Falls Trail #64A
• Mitchell Lick Trail #154
• Sassafras Creek Trail #65
• Snowbird Mountain Trail #415
• Tsali Recreation Area

  Tsali Recreation Area: Open year round

  Tsali Campground: Open April 15 - October 31

   

  Enjoy mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, motorized boating, kayaking or camping at Tsali Recreation Area, all located within steps of Fontana Lake.

  Follow the Trail. The Tsali (pronounced “SAH-lee”) Recreation Area’s four-loop trail system has become a popular destination for mountain bikers and horseback riders. It is best known as a challenging mountain bike course.

  • The Right Loop, rated moderately difficult, offers 13.9 miles of single track, with shorter 4- and 8-mile loops possible.
  • The Left Loop, rated moderately difficult, is 11.9 miles of single track with views toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake.
  • The Mouse Branch Trail, rated moderately difficult, is 8.7 miles of single track and includes old logging roads.
  • The Thompson Loop, rated moderately difficult, is 7.3 miles of single track.

  Hikers may travel the trails on any day, but mountain bikers and equestrians–the primary users–are kept separated by alternating days on the trails. Be sure to follow the trail schedule:

  Jan./Feb./March/April/June/Sept./Nov./Dec.
  Right Loop and Left Loop:

  • Horses – Tuesday , Thursday, & Saturday
  • Mountain Bikes –Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

  Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop:

  • Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
  • Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday

  May/July/August/October
  Right Loop and Left Loop:

  • Horses – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday
  • Mountain Bikes – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday

  Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop:

  • Horses – Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
  • Mountain Bikes – Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday

  There is a per-person day use fee for trail use. Fees can be paid at either the Tsali Bike or Horse Trailheads.

  Sleep under the Stars. Open early April through October, Tsali Campground offers 42 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Many sites accommodate small RVs, but no hookups are available. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are available. Campers pay fees at the campground fee station.

  Get in the Water.Fontana Lake offers flatwater paddling and motor boating. One boat launch is located at Tsali, while another is located nearby on FR 2553 at Lemmons Branch. Ample parking is available at either launch. Fishing is permitted year-round, and anglers will find some of the best fishing for walleye in the state. Anglers can also catch black bass, crappie, catfish and white bass.

  Check out the brochure.

• Mouse Branch Loop #152A
• Thompson Connector #152B, Tsali
• Thompson Loop #152
• Tsali Left Loop #38A
• Tsali Right Loop #38
• Wauchecha Bald #47
• Wolf Laurel Area

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• Swan Cabin #2816
• Swan Meadows #81G
• Wolf Laurel Trail #57
• Nantahala Ranger District

  The Nantahala Ranger District stretches 250,000 acres across Macon, Jackson and Swain counties offering a variety of recreational opportunities from camping to off-highway vehicle riding. This District is a diverse, rugged, and mountainous area with raging rivers, granite walls, and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy the remoteness of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness, a scenic drive along the Mountain Waters Byway or a view Whitewater Falls, the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains. The Nantahala is also home to four long distance trails, the Appalachian, Bartram, Foothills, and Mountains-to-Sea Trails. Come experience the outdoors and explore the Nantahala! Nantahala Ranger District, 90 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734, (828) 524-6441

• Albert Mountain Fire Tower
• Ammons Branch Campground
• Appalachian TR1
• Appletree TR19b
• Appletree Group Campground
• Balsam Lake Lodge
• Balsam Lake and Picnic Area
• Bear Pen Gap TR22
• Bearpen Gap TR442
• Beech Gap TR35
• Betty Creek Gap TR 367
• Big Creek Loop TR 492
• Big Green TR487
• Big Indian Loop TR34
• Big Laurel Falls TR29
• Blackrock TR447
• Blackwell Gap Loop TR366
• Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
• Blue Valley Route TR493
• Brush Creek Route TR 494
• Camp Branch TR 16a
• Camp Shortcut TR 36b
• Chattooga Loop TR 433
• Chattooga River TR432
• Chattooga Wild and Scenic River
• Chinquapin TR 3
• Clear Creek Loop TR 495
• Cliffside Lake and Day Use Area
• Cliffside Loop TR24
• Clifftop Nature TR 24f
• Clifftop Vista TR 24a
• Cullasaja Gorge
• Cullowhee TR370
• Deep Gap TR 449
• Devils Elbow TR448
• Diamond Valley TR19d
• Dry Falls TR 9
• Ellicott Rock Wilderness
• Ellicotts Rock TR431
• Foothills Trail TR436
• Glade Trail TR 430
• Glen Falls TR 8
• Granny Burrell Falls TR486
• Grap Cove TR 372
• Great Wall TR489
• Green Valley TR484
• Greenland Creek TR488
• Hickory Branch TR19a
• Homesite Road TR443
• Hurrah Ridge TR 4
• Hurricane Creek Horse & Primitive Campground
• Hurricane Creek Loop TR36
• Jones Knob TR67b
• Junaluska Gap TR19
• Kimsey Creek Group Campground
• Kimsey Creek TR 23
• Laurel Branch TR19f
• Little Green TR485
• Little Indian TR21
• Little Yellow Mountain Gap TR651
• Locust Tree TR16
• London Bald TR19c
• Long Branch TR86
• Lower Trail Ridge TR28
• Mac's Gap TR482
• Mooney Falls TR31
• Mooney Gap TR12
• Moss Gap Route TR 496
• Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
• Nantahala River Bike Trail TR368
• Nantahala River Gorge
• Nantahala Trail TR19e
• Nature Walk TR19g
• North Road TR 453
• Overlook TR491
• Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area
• Panthertown Valley TR474
• Park Creek Ridge Connector TR32a
• Park Creek TR33
• Park Ridge TR32
• Pickens Nose TR13
• Potts Memorial TR 24b
• Powerline Road TR451
• Rattlesnake Knob TR452
• Riding Ford TR 450
• Rocky Bald Loop TR 379B
• Rocky Bald TR18
• Rough Fork TR371
• Round Mountain Gap TR 497
• Rufus Morgan Falls TR27
• Scaly Mountain TR67a
• Shot Pouch TR17
• Siler Bald Shelter TR 373
• Siler Bald Vista TR373a
• Silver Run Falls TR435
• Skitty Creek TR 24e
• Slickrock TR 11
• Standing Indian Campground
• Standing Indian Picnic Area
• Stewart Cove TR 5a
• Stewart Cove/Yellow Mountain TR498
• Stewart TR15
• Thomas Branch TR375
• Timber Ridge Trail TR20
• Tuckaseegee Gorge TR438
• Turkey Knob TR 469
• Van Hook Glade Campground
• Van Hook TR 24c
• Walton Interpretive TR376
• Waslick Poplar TR30
• Wayah Bald TR 374
• Wayah Bald Tower
• Wesser Creek TR26
• Whiteside Mountain
• Whiteside Mountain TR70
• Whitewater Falls
• Whitewater Falls TR 7
• Whitewater River TR437
• Wildcat TR14
• Wilderness Falls TR490
• Wilson Lick TR369
• Wine Spring Horse Camp
• Wine Springs Loop TR 379A
• Wolf Creek Gorge TR439
• Yellow Mountain TR5
• Tusquitee Ranger District

  This 158,900-acre district lies in the far southwestern tip of North Carolina in Cherokee and Clay Counties. The Tusquitee District has three large lakes that offer a variety of recreation. Two major rivers, the Hiwassee and Valley, provide canoeing. Three reservoirs in beautiful mountain settings provide a playground for recreation enthusiasts. Hiwassee Lake, Chatuge Lake, and Appalachia Lake offer boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming, as well as a quiet place to relax and enjoy nature’s wonders. Chatuge Lake is excellent for sailing. The Hiwassee and Appalachia Lakes are located west of Murphy, along the Hiwassee River. Chatuge Lake spans the Georgia-North Carolina State line, south of Hayesville. For camping and picnicking, four areas are available.

• Bald Springs #78
• Beech Creek #378
• Big Scaley #638
• Billy Top #637, Near Andrews
• Bly Gap #84
• Bristol Fields Horse Camp
• Britton Creek #280
• Cherokee Lake #83, Cherokee Lake Recreation Area
• Choga #634, Near Andrews
• Deep Gap Branch #377
• Far Bald Springs #389
• Fires Creek Recreation Area

  This remote area offers excellent trout fishing, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. The 25-mile Rim Trail in the Fires Creek Backcountry Area, is a hiking trail, however, some trail sections are open to horses. As the name implies, the Rim Trail climbs the ridge around Fires Creek and makes a large loop. The trail offers vistas as it crosses several highelevation balds. Located on Fires Creek, Bristol Campground has nine sites, a vault toilet, and accomodates horse campers. Huskins Branch Hunters Camp offers primitive camping. From the Leatherwood Falls Picnic Area, a 0.7-mile loop goes to Leatherwood Falls.

• Big Stamp #520, Fires Creek
• Bristol #76, Fires Creek
• Carroll Knob #633, Fires Creek
• Fires Creek Access #635, Fires Creek
• Huskins Branch #385, Fires Creek
• Leatherwood Loop #73, Fires Creek
• Little Fires Creek #386, Fires Creek
• Mingus #630, Fires Creek
• Omphus Ridge #75, Fires Creek
• Phillips Ridge #388, Fires Creek
• Rockhouse Creek #387, Fires Creek
• Shinbone #80, Fires Creek
• Shortoff #631, Fires Creek
• Hanging Dog Recreation Area

  Hanging Dog Campground will not re-open. For more information see this news release.

  Day use facilities on Hiwassee Lake remain open.

  Just five miles from Murphy, N.C., Hanging Dog Recreation Area is a great destination for a scenic drive or for a day outing with family and friends.

  Get in the Water.  Hanging Dog Recreation Area offers year-round access to Hiwassee Lake. A popular place for fishing and boating, you’ll find plenty of places along Hiwassee’s 180-mile shore to relax and cast a line. From June through October, launch your motor boat from the ramp at the end of State Road (SR) 1447. Between the months of November and June, Ramsey Bend boat launch on FR 652F, approximately 1.5 miles off of SR 1447, provides deep-water access. Water skiing and kayaking are also popular on Hiwassee Lake. For an adventure, try kayaking on Hiwassee River and Lake between Murphy and Hanging Dog. An accessible fishing pier, to the left just before the end of SR 1447, offers additional angler access. There are no swimming facilities at this recreation area.      

  Practice these safety tips when enjoying water activities:

  • Wear a life jacket
  • Never go boating under the influence
  • Supervise children
  • Learn CPR
  • Learn safe boating practices

  Check out the Sites.  View the scenery from a picnic table overlooking the lake. A large pavilion provides a place for groups to gather for a meal. Restrooms with vault toilets are nearby. Stretch your legs and explore the forest along two 1-mile trails. The Mingus Trail starts at the upper boat ramp parking lot and ends at a trailhead shared with the Ramsey Bluff Trail off SR 1447. Ramsey Bluff Trail offers views of Hiwassee Lake. If you are interested in Cherokee Indian history, imagine the village that once lay where the lake is now. In the 1830s, the historic Trail of Tears passed nearby. 

  Follow the Trail.  In the Hanging Dog area, there are several opportunities for mountain biking. Hike or ride your mountain bike on the moderately-difficult Ramsey Bluff Mountain Biking System that provides 8 miles of trails. Plenty of trailhead parking is provided at the end of SR 1447.

  Read the Recreation Opportunity Guide.

• Farmer Top Overlook #622, Hanging Dog Rec Area
• Nottely River Connector #623, Hanging Dog Rec Area
• Ramsey Bend Connector #619, Hanging Dog Rec Area
• Ramsey Bend North #620, Hanging Dog Rec Area
• Ramsey Bend South #621, Hanging Dog Rec Area
• Ramsey Bluff #81, Hanging Dog Rec Area
• Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area

  Open May through September, Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area lies on a peninsula of Lake Chatuge – a TVA reservoir that boasts more than 130 miles of shoreline. This destination recreation area offers a large campground and numerous day use activities such as swimming, picnicking, mountain biking and hiking trails, fishing and motorized boating access to the lake.

  Sleep under the Stars.Three campground loops offer 92 wooded sites, most of which provide views of Lake Chatuge. Several sites in Loops A and B can accommodate RVs, but no hook-ups are available.   Registered campers may access the on-site RV dump station. Reserve a site at visit www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. A few sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Accessible flush toilets, hot showers and drinking water are available. In the campground, a large picnic pavilion offers lakeside views and room to gather.

  Follow the Trail.  Ride your mountain bike along the area’s 15-mile stacked-loop system. Many of the trails border Lake Chatuge, while others meander through the woods or ridge-top. These trails appeal to riders of all skill levels.  

  If you are interested in hiking, try the Jackrabbit Mountain Trail. With a trailhead just outside the campground, this 2.4-mile easy trail loops through open woods and offers glimpses of Lake Chatuge.

  Get in the Water.  At Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area, a designated swimming area and sandy beach are surrounded by picnic tables on a large grassy lawn. A picnic pavilion offers group picnicking with views of the lake. A short trail connects the campground and beach. The lake is filled with a bounty of fish ranging from spotted, white and striped bass to catfish, crappie and sun-fish. Launch your boat and fish from the lake, or try the accessible fishing pier located near the swim beach.

  Don’t have a boat? There are several marinas to rent boats and other small craft. For details, call the Clay County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 389-3704.

  Be Safe.Your safety is your own responsibility.

   

  Check out the brochure.

• Burnt Tree Peninsula #753, Jackrabbit Mtn Rec Area
• Burrell Cove #756, Jackrabbit Mtn Rec Area
• Central Loop #750, Jackrabbit Mtn Rec Area
• High Point #755, Jackrabbit Mtn Rec Area
• Saba Beach #757, Jackrabbit Mtn Rec Area
• Saba Beach Spur #757A, Jackrabbit Mtn Rec Area
• Sneaking Creek #752, Jackrabbit Mtn Rec Area
• Upper Ridge #751, Jackrabbit Mtn Rec Area
• Yotee's Run #754, Jackrabbit Mtn Rec Area
• North Shoal Creek Falls #383
• Sasafrass #632
• Shoal Creek Falls #85
• Sledrunner #82
• Trail Branch #382
• Pisgah National Forest

  The Pisgah National Forest is a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. Comprised of over 500,000 acres, the Pisgah is primarily a hardwood forest with whitewater rivers, waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. This national forest is home of the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 which led to the creation of the national forests in the eastern United States. It is also home of the first school of forestry in the United States, now preserved at the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site, and boasts two of the first designated wilderness areas in the east. The Pisgah, Grandfather and Appalachian Ranger Districts are scattered along the eastern edge of the mountains of western North Carolina and offer visitors a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains.

  Camping and Day-use Information

  Enjoy camping or a picnic at one of the many day-use areas. A list of camping and day-use areas in the Pisgah National Forest can be found here 

  Recreation Maps

  Nantahala & Pisgah National Forest Maps

  Directions to Frequently Requested Places

  NC Arobretum and Bent Creek Area

  Blue Ridge Parkway South

  Blue Ridge Parkway North

  Pisgah Ranger District

  Cradle of Forestry

  Cradle of Forestry (Scenic Route)

  The Biltmore House

  Mt. Mitchell

  Be Safe

  The national forests in North Carolina offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. From the mountains to the sea, there are many exciting adventures awaiting your visit to these national forests. Please keep in mind that all outdoor recreational activities on the Croatan, Pisgah, Nantahala and Uwharrie national forests, including activities at recreation sites, have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Always remember, your safety is your responsibility.

  Waterfall Safety for the Summer.

• Appalachian Ranger District

  This page was last updated 03/15/2023

  Current Notes of Interest:

  • The Blue Ridge Parkway has some closures in place that may affect your access to locations on our district. Please see the "Parkway Road Conditions" webpage at www.nps.gov for more information on these closures. As of 2/8/2023, the following locations on our district are affected: 
  • 355.3- Mount Mitchell State Park
  • 355.3 - 364.5- NC Highway 128 to South of Craggy Gardens Tunnel, including Craggy Gardens Visitor Center
  • 364.5 - 367.6- South of Craggy Gardens Tunnel to North of Craggy Gardens Picnic Area
  • 367.6 - 375.7- North of Craggy Gardens Picnic Area to Bull Gap (North of Elk Mountain/Ox Creek Road)
  • 367.6- USFS Road 63 (Stoney Fork Access Rd)
  • 375.7-Ox Creek/Elk Mountain Access Road
  • Seasonal road closures will begin Jan 2, 2023 and will last until April 2, 2023.
  • 2/24/2022 Temporary Rock Cliff Closures to Protect Peregrine Falcons
  • 11/9/2021- NC Department of Transportation state road closure in Haywood County Click for the detour Map.
  • 8/28/2021- FOREST CLOSURE ORDER- BIG IVY AND SOUTH TOE AREAS: ORDER NO. 08-11-08-21-119
  • A formal closure order was signed 8/28/2021 prohibiting use of select roads on the Appalachian District.
  • These roads are closed to all uses, including camping. Hikers, runners, cyclists, and equestrian trail users are prohibited from being on these closed roads,except when using an open trail that intersects with a closed road, as stated in the closure order. Due to underlying road structure damage from Tropical Storm Fred,the remaining road closures do not have reopening dates at this time. 
    • FSR 63 - Stony Fork Road (Barnardsville)
    • FSR 74 - Big Ivy Road (Coleman Boundary- Barnardsville)
    • FSR 472- South Toe (Reopened 10/2022- Seasonal closure from Jan-April)

   

• Big Ivy Area, Coleman Boundary

  The Big Ivy, Coleman Boundary area is located on the Appalachian Ranger District near Barnardsville, NC. "Ivy" is the local name for the mountain laurel shrub.This area is beautiful, remote, mountain land with more than 30 miles of trails that you can hike, bike and ride horses.

• Bear Pen TR 176
• Big Butt TR 161
• Douglas Falls Trail TR 162
• Elk Pen TR 166
• Laurel Gap TR 184
• Little Andy TR 174
• Perkins TR 175
• Snowball TR 170
• Staire Creek TR 183
• Upper Corner Rock TR 173
• Walker Creek TR 165
• Black Mountain / South Toe River Area

  The South Toe River area is on the Appalachian Ranger District near Burnsville, NC. This area includes the Black Mountains, the Blue Ridge, and the headwaters of the South Toe River. The Black Mountains, capped with a forest of red spruce and Fraser fir, are named for the resulting dark color. Along the South Toe River, you can camp, picnic, fish, swim, tube, bike, and horseback ride.

• Bald Knob Ridge TR 186
• Big Tom Gap TR 191A
• Black Mountain Campground
• Black Mountain Crest TR 179
• Briar Bottom Bicycle TR 1006
• Briar Bottom Group Campground
• Buncombe Horse Range TR 191
• Carolina Hemlock TR 1003
• Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area
• Colbert Ridge TR 178
• Devil's Den Nature TR 192
• Green Knob TR 182
• Higgins Bald Ground TR 190A
• Mount Mitchell TR 190
• River Loop TR 200
• Roaring Fork Creek Falls TR 195
• Setrock Creek Falls TR 197
• Woody Ridge TR 177
• Elk Falls Area-Big Falls TR 172
• Flat Top Mountain Area

  Flat Top Mountain is located in Yancey County, NC. Three different hiking trails travel through woods of poplar, oak and maple. These trails provide beautiful views of the Unaka Mountains, the Nolichucky River Gorge and its sheer rock cliffs. Named for its unique topographical shape, Flat Top Mountain is a series of mountains that level out and appear flat on top, though its elevation is 4,469 feet high. The Devil's Creek and Lost Cove trails are best known for providing access to the Lost Cove community, developed in the 1900's for establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Railroad. Though it has been a ghost town for decades, several remaining structures and a cemetery can still be seen and accessed from the trail. Also, accessed from the Lost Cove Trail is a place called Joe Lewis Fields, named after the earliest settler in the area. The coordinates for Flat Top Mountain are as follows: N 36.02'54" and W 82.24'31".

• Devil's Creek TR 188
• Lost Cove TR 196
• Shinbone TR 187
• Harmon Den Area

  Harmon Den is on the Appalachian Ranger District in the vicinity of exit 7 off of  I-40. The area is a haven for hikers and horseback riders. It offers 54.5 miles of trails with 14.2 miles of trails designated for horseback riding and 40.3 miles for hiking.

  This page was last updated 11/23/2022

  NC Department of Transportation state road closure in Haywood County:
  Starting as soon as Nov. 9, all traffic in both directions will be funneled into a one-lane pattern
  prior to the bridge [at Harmon Den, exit 7 on I-40] and will use the ramps as a detour around the bridge.
  Traffic will remain in this pattern into May while crews remove and replace the deteriorating structure.
  Drivers desiring to go from Asheville to Dandridge, Tenn., may choose to take I-26 West to Kingsport
  and then I-81 South to Dandridge. This route adds about 45 minutes to driving time
  compared to a typical trip through the gorge.
  Please see the North Carolina Dept. of Transportation News Release (with map)
  at this link: News Release

  
  This does not include USFS Road 148/Cold Springs Creek Road to Harmon Den area. This road remains open until seasonal closure in January,
  but will require you to take the detour and reroute back south through the detour to access the turn into the road.
  www.ncdrive.gov is a great resource for planning your trip during this time.

   

  Harmon Den HorseCamp Information: 

  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48600

• Buckeye Ridge TR 304
• Cherry Creek TR 300
• Cherry Ridge TR 301
• Cold Springs TR 302
• Groundhog Creek TR 315
• Harmon Den Horsecamp
• Robert Gap TR 303
• Rube Rock TR 314
• Hot Springs Area

  The French Broad River and Appalachian Trail travel right through Hot Springs making the town a  haven for hikers, rafters and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Hot Springs area features 44 miles of trails with 13.4 miles designated for mountain biking.  

• Betty Place Trail 298
• Bluff Mountain Loop Trail - 298A
• Jack Branch TR 299
• Laurel River TR 310
• Lover's Leap Loop TR 308
• Mill Ridge TR 280
• Pump Gap Loop TR 309
• River Ridge Loop TR 281
• Rocky Bluff Campground
• Roundtop Ridge TR 295
• Shut-In TR 296
• Spring Creek Nature TR 312
• Van Cliff Loop TR 313
• Roaring Creek Area-Overmountain Victory TR 308
• Shelton Laurel Area

  The Shelton Laurel Backcountry area located in Madison County, NC is a unique part of the Appalachian Ranger District. It consists of undisturbed hardwood forests, rhododendron thickets and is full of coves, tributaries and serene mountainsides. This area provides 14.7 miles of combined hiking on five different trails, many of which intersect with loop options, and access the Appalachian Trail, as well as, Jerry Cabin Shelter. Enjoyable during all seasons, the Hickey Fork and Jerry Miller trails provide views of waterfalls and cascades in higher elevations, and are especially scenic in the late spring when the mountain laurel and rhododendron are in full bloom. Whiteoak Trail travels through beautiful hardwood forests, and in the winter provides beautiful views of the Baxter Cliffs.

• Fork Ridge TR 285
• Green Ridge TR 287
• Hickey Fork TR 292
• Jerry Miller TR 286
• White Oak TR 293
• Special Day-Use Areas

  http://www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/connections/pisgah_day_use.pdf

• Max Patch
• Murray Branch Picnic Area
• Roan Mountain

  Famous for its spectacular natural gardens of Catawba rhododendrons, Roan Mountain shelters a rich diversity of life, from spruce-fir forests to vast grassy balds.

  Roan Mountain is actually not one mountain, but a high ridge about 5 miles long. It ranges from a height of 6,286 feet at Roan High Knob to a low of 5,500 feet at Carver’s Gap.
  No one knows the origin of the mountain’s name. Some claim the name refers to the roan or reddish color of the mountain when rhododendrons bloom in June,
  or the mountain ash berries appear in September. Others say the name comes from Daniel Boone’s roan horse, because he and his horse were frequent visitors.

  Please visit http://www.roanhighlands.org for more information.

   

   

• Cloudland TR 1000
• Roan Mountain Garden TR 1002
• Rocky Bluff Picnic Area
• Grandfather Ranger District

  The lands that make up the Grandfather Ranger District are those public lands that run from the McDowell/Buncombe county line on Black Mountain just east of Asheville over to US 321 between Lenoir and Blowing Rock. The Blue Ridge Parkway forms the northern boundary of the district. The Grandfather Ranger District began under the Weeks Act with the purchase of an 8,100acre tract in 1912. Now, the district covers over 192,000 acres. Enjoy your visit!

• Curtis Creek Area
• Curtis Creek Campground

  RV and tent camping, campground host on site. 

• Hickory Branch Trail 213
• Snooks Nose Trail 211
• Linville Gorge Wilderness area

  The Linville Gorge Wilderness, in the mountains of Western North Carolina, is part of the Pisgah National Forest. The gorge is formed by the Jonas Ridge on the east and Linville Mountain on the west and is bisected by the Linville River which drops 2,000 feet into the valleys below. The terrain is steep and rugged with numerous rock formations. It is covered by dense hardwood/pine forest and a wide variety of smaller trees and other plants. Recreation opportunities include hiking backpacking, rock climbing, fishing and hunting.

  A free camping permit is needed on weekends and holidays May through October. Group size is limited to 10 persons. Each visitor or group may receive one weekend permit per month and may stay up to 3 consecutive days and 2 nights.

   

• Babel Tower Trail 240
• Bynum Bluff Trail 241
• Cabin Trail 246
• Conley Cove Trail 229
• Devils Hole Trail 244
• Hawksbill Trail 245
• Linville Gorge Trail 231
• Pinch -In Trail 228
• Rock Jock Trail 247
• Spence Ridge 233
• Mortimer Campground

  RV and tent camping, campground host on site. Flush toilets and shower are available. Picnic shelter on site. Seventeen RESERVATION ONLY sites are available at Mortimer Campground.

• Thorps Creek Trail 279
• Old Fort Picnic Area

  Day use area; picnic shelter, tables and grills available.

• Kitsuma/Youngs Ridge Trail 204
• Point Lookout Trail
• Table Rock

  Day use area, picnic shelter, tables and grills available. Short trails travel rim of Linville Gorge to Table Rock's summit and to the Chimneys.

• Shortoff Mountain Trail 235
• Table Rock Trail 242
• Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Area

  With fantastic vistas, ridges more than 4000 feet high, whitewater rapids and trails that travel to spectacular waterfalls, Wilson Creek offers great adventures for hiking, scenic viewing, mountain biking, fishing, camping, horseback riding and backpacking.

• Big Lost Cove Cliffs Trail 271
• Bill Crump Trail 257
• Darkside Cliffs Trail 272
• Greentown Shortcut Trail 268A
• Greentown Trail 268
• Harper Creek Trail 260
• Holly Springs Trail 273
• Hunt Fish Falls Trail 263
• Little Lost Cove Cliffs Trail 271A
• Lost Cove Trail 262
• North Harper Creek Trail 266
• North Harper Creek Falls Trail 239
• North Harper Shortcut Trail 266A
• Persimmon Ridge Trail 270
• Philips Branch Trail 252
• Pine Ridge Connector Trail 255A
• Pine Ridge Trail 255
• Raider Camp Trail 277
• Steels Creek Trail 237
• Thorps Creek Trail 279
• Timber Ridge Trail 261
• Upper Creek Falls Trail 268B
• White Rocks Trail 264
• Wilson Creek Spur Trail 258A
• Wilson Ridge Trail 269
• Wison Creek Trail 258
• Woodruff Ridge Trail 256
• Yellow Buck Trail 265
• Wisemans' View
• Pisgah Ranger District

  The Pisgah Ranger District is home to many waterfalls, scenic views, and miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Bordering Transylvania, Buncombe, and Haywood Counties, Pisgah Ranger District is a short drive from Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, and Waynesville. Lake Powhatan Recreation area and Bent Creek Experimental Forest are also included in the Pisgah District, providing visitors with more recreation opportunities.

• Andy Cove Nature Trail #288
• Andy Cove Trailhead
• Art Loeb Spur Trail #108
• Art Loeb Trail #1 (NRT) #146
• Art Loeb Trail #2 (NRT) #146
• Art Loeb Trail #3 (NRT) #146
• Art Loeb Trail #4 (NRT) #146
• Art Loeb Trailhead, Camp Daniel Boone
• Art Loeb Trailhead, Davidson River
• Avery Creek Trail #327
• Bad Fork Trail #323
• Bear Branch Trail #328
• Bennett Gap Trail #138
• Bent Creek Experimental Forest

  Established in 1927 to study rehabilitation of cutover, degraded forests, Bent Creek is the oldest experimental forest in the East. The area is now used to research current issues that threaten or enhance the health and productivity of forests.

• Boyd Branch Trail #665
• Campground Connnector Trail #329
• Chestnut Cove Trail #662
• Cold Knob Connector Trail #337A
• Deer Lake Lodge Trail #664
• Deerfield Connector Trail #335A
• Deerfield Loop Trail #335
• Explorer Loop Connector #337B
• Explorer Loop Trail #337
• Greenslick Trail #139
• Hardtimes Connector Trail #661
• Homestead Trail #333
• Ingles Field Connector #150A
• Ingles Field Gap Trail #150
• Lake Powhatan Campground
• Lake Powhatan Picnic Area
• Lake Powhatan Swim Area
• Ledford Trail #660
• Little Hickory Top Trail #136
• Lower Sidehill Trail #137A
• North Boundary Trail #135
• Pine Tree Connector Trail #336A
• Pine Tree Loop Trail #336
• Sidehill Connector Trail #145A
• Sidehill Trail #145
• Sleepy Gap Trail #339
• Small Creek Trail #334
• Wolf Branch Trail #666
• Big Creek Trail #102
• Black Balsam Trailhead
• Black Mountain Trail #127
• Bradley Creek Trail #351
• Bridges Camp Gap Trail #607
• Buckhorn Gap Trail #103
• Buckwheat Knob Trail #122
• Butter Gap Trail #123
• Caney Bottom Trail #361
• Cantrell Creek Trail #148
• Case Camp Ridge Trail #119
• Cat Gap Bypass Trail #120A
• Cat Gap Loop Trail #120
• Cedar Rock Trail #124
• Cemetery Loop Trail #341
• Clawhammer Cove Trail #342
• Club Gap Trail #343
• Coontree Loop Trail #144
• Coontree Picnic Area
• Courthouse Falls Trail #130
• Cove Creek Trail #340
• Cradle of Forestry In America Heritage Site

  Nestled below the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Pisgah National Forest is the birthplace of forestry in America - the Cradle of Forestry.

  The Cradle abounds with ways to have fun while learning about the forest, traditional Blue Ridge culture, and forest management.

  Paved trails - perfect for strollers and wheelchairs - put the forest at your fingertips.

  Check out the brochure.

• Barnett Branch Trail #618
• Biltmore Campus Trail #006
• Buck Spring Trail #104
• Forest Discovery Center
• Forest Festival Trail #319
• Pink Beds Connector Trail #118A
• Pink Beds Loop Trail #118
• Thompson Creek Trail #602
• Daniel Ridge Loop Trail #105
• Davidson River Recreation Area
• Davidson River Trail #650
• Dew Falls Trail #281
• Exercise Trail #344
• Farlow Gap Trail #106
• Flat Laurel Creek Trail #346
• Fletcher Creek Trail #350
• Foster Creek Trail #610
• Grassy Road Trail #364
• Graveyard Fields Loop Trail #358
• Graveyard Ridge Connector Trail #356A
• Graveyard Ridge Trail #356
• Horse Cove Gap Trail #325
• Ivestor Gap Trail #101
• John Rock Trail #365
• Kuykendall Group Campground
• Laurel Creek Trail #348
• Laurel Mountain Connector Trail #110
• Laurel Mountain Trail #121
• Ledford Branch Trailhead
• Little Sam Trail #347
• Long Branch Trail #116
• Looking Glass Rock Trailhead
• Looking Glass RockTrail #114
• Middle Fork Trail #352
• Middle Prong Wilderness

  Middle Prong Wilderness area is 7,900 acres of steep, rugged high-elevation ridges ranging from 3,200 to over 6,400 feet. The area gets its name from the Middle Prong of the Pigeon River finding whose headwaters are located in the area.

• Buckeye Gap Trail #126
• Green Mountain Trail #113
• Haywood Gap Trail #142
• Mountains to Sea National Recreation Trail #440
• Moore Cove Trail #318
• Mount Pisgah Trail #355
• Mountains to Sea Access Trail #358B
• Mullinax Trail #326
• North Boundary Trail #135
• North Face Trail #132
• North Face Trailhead
• North Mills River Trail #353
• North Slope Connector Trail #359A
• North Slope Trail #359
• Perry Cove Trail #151
• Pilot Cove Loop Trail #320A
• Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail #320
• Pilot Rock Extension Trail #321A
• Pilot Rock Trail #321
• Pink Beds Picnic Area
• Pisgah Ranger Station/Visitor Center
• Poundingmill Trail #349
• Pressley Cove Trail #112
• Rainbow Falls Trail #499
• Riverside Trail #115
• Sam Knob Summit #617A
• Sam Knob Trail #617
• Seniard Ridge Trail #609
• Shining Rock Wilderness

  Designated as a Wilderness Area in September of 1964, Shining Rock encompasses over 18,000 acres. This area has elevations varying from 3300 to over 6,000 feet, lies on the north slope of the Pisgah Ledge, a northeasterly extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and gets its name from the white quartz outcropping near the crest of the Shining Rock Mountain.

• Big East Fork 357 Shining Rock Wilderness
• Big East Fork Trail #357
• Bridges Camp Gap Trail #607
• Cold Mountain Trail #141
• Fork Mountain Trail #109
• Greasy Cove Trail #362
• Little East Fork Trail #107
• Old Butt Knob Trail #332
• Shining Creek Trail #363
• Shut-In Trail (NRT) #345
• Slick Rock Falls Trail #117
• South Mills River Trail #133
• South Mills River Trailhead
• Spencer Gap Trail #600
• Squirrel Gap Trail #147
• Sunwall Trail #601
• Sycamore Cove Loop Trail #143
• Thompson Creek Trail #602
• Thrift Cove Loop Trail #603
• Trace Ridge Trail #354
• Turkey Pen Gap Trailhead
• Turkeypen Gap Trail #322
• Twin Falls Trail #604
• Upper Falls Trail #358A
• Vineyard Gap Trail #324
• Wagon Road Gap Trail #134
• Wash Creek Trail #606
• White Pines Group Campground
• Wolf Ford Horse Camp
• Yellow Gap Trail #611
• Uwharrie National Forest

  Uwharrie National Forest is 51,546 acres in Montgomery, Randolph & Davidson Counties. Uwharrie National Forest map

  Ranger District Office, 789 Biscoe Road, Troy, NC 27371, (910) 576-6391, uwharrie@usda.gov. America the Beautiful Passes and USGS Topo maps for sale at https://store.usgs.gov/.

  Firewood permits available by phone and mail starting October 5 for $20. Call (910) 576-6391 and provide Name, Address, Mailing Address for permit, Phone Number, Driver's License or National ID Number, Payment (Money Order or check payable to: USDA Forest Service). After purchase is complete, we will mail permit, restricted areas map, and policies. This process is temporary until operations return to normal.

  Hunting

  Uwharrie NF is designated Game Lands and part of 2 million acres of public lands for public hunting, trapping and fishing managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The appropriate basic annual hunting license and Game Lands Privilege license is needed to hunt on Uwharrie NF. Seasons, bag limits, and special restrictions are in the  annual N.C. Inlands Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest.

  Camping & Day-use

  Picnic at a day-use area. Camp at developed campgrounds for a fee. See list  here. You can only camp for 14 days in a 30-day period at a developed campground or dispersed camping. Primitive dispersed camping is allowed except in those areas posted "No Camping" or a developed campground or day-use area. Find sites along most Forest Service roads and trails. Be careful with campfires and only use dead and down wood. Do not bring wood from outside the area to protect from invasive plants and insects. 

  Enjoy this story on a QR guided trail in the national forest.

  OHV Trail Vendors.

  • Badin Lake OHV Trails close December 15 at 8:00 am
  • OHV Trails will reopen April 1 in the morning
  • OHV annual passes are available from the Eldorado Outpost

  Flintlock Valley Shooting Range

  25-yard pistol and 100-yard rifle ranges open year-round Tuesdays through Saturdays including all Holidays on those days except Thanksgiving & Christmas. Passes required but  not sold on site and must be purchased in advance. Contact the office or vendors: Shooting Range Vendors.

  Be Safe

  We offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation. All outdoor recreational activities have inherent risks due to the natural setting in which they occur. Your safety is your responsibility.

  Trail Strategy Documents, Presentations and Maps

  Badin Lake Area map, Morris Mountain Area map, North Eastern Portion map, South Eastern Portion map, Wood Run Area map

  Documents...

  Presentations...

   

• Badin Lake Recreation Area

  Badin Lake Recreation Area offers swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking trails, equestrian trails, four-wheel drive trails, mountain biking trails & camping opportunities. Please pick up your trash! Trash cans are at all recreation sites.

  Camping in Badin Lake Recreation Area

  There are 4 developed campgrounds for tents, camping trailers, & RVs with flush toilets and showers & 1 tent only campground within the Badin Lake Recreation Area. There are 2 campgrounds with electricity, flush toilets, showers & a dump station. Arrowhead Campground has 48 sites with electrical hookups at sites 12-45. These sites have 50 amp, 30 amp & 110 volt outlets. Sites 1-11 & 46-50 do not have power.  Canebrake Horse Camp has 28 sites available to the public. All sites have electrical hookups with 50 amp, 30 amp & 110 volt outlets. This campground has amenities for horse use but is not exclusive to horseback riders. Some of these horse amenities are a horse washing station, hitching posts, tack tables & direct access to the trails. 

  Badin Lake Campground offers 34 sites for tent, camping trailer or RV camping. There are several campsites on the lakeshore of Badin Lake which can be accessed via boat, canoe, or kayak.  This campground offers flush toilets, showers & drinking water hydrants. There is no electricity and no dump station at this campground. Badin Lake Group Camp offers 3 sites for up to 50 people each. There are flush toilets, vault toilets, showers & 3 drinking water hydrants. There are no electrical hookups and there is no dump station.  This campground is available by reservation only.

  To make reservations for any of the above listed campgrounds please call Recreation.Gov at 877-444-6777; TDD: 877-833-6777; International: 518-885-3639; or go to www.recreation.gov.

  The last campground in the Badin Lake Recreation Area is called Uwharrie Hunt Camp. This campground is rustic. It has 8 tent only campsites that can be accessed by a very short walk from the parking lot.  There are 2 vault toilets & drinking water hydrants.  Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, grill, & lantern post. 

  Recreating in the Badin Lake Recreation Area

  The Badin Lake Recreation Area offers many recreational opportunities. There are 17 miles of Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) or motorized trails available for dirt bikes, ATVs, and full-sized 4-WD vehicles with the purchase of a trail pass.  Primitive camping or dispersed camping can be done along the trails & at the Art Lilley Campground that is located in the Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex. 

  Additionally, there are approximately 40 miles of non-motorized trails available for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. These trails range from easy to difficult as they traverse beautifully wooded areas, rocky outcrops, the Uwharrie River & many of its tributaries.   

  The Cove Boat Launch is located on Cove Road near Arrowhead Campground & offers access to Badin Lake for trailered boats. There is a vault toilet. There are 2 day use areas for picnicking & fishing. The King's Mt. Point Day Use Area offers 34 picnic sites, a picnic pavilion, 4 accessible fishing piers and 4 vault toilets & 2 flush toilets. Holt's Picnic Area is more rustic with a vault toilet, fishing from the shore, grills & picnic tables available.

• Arrowhead Campground
• Badin Lake Campground
• Badin Lake Group Camp
• Badin Lake Hiking Trail TR 94
• Bates TR 723
• Berner TR 721
• Big Rock Loop TR 705
• Blackburn TR 701
• Burl Tree Way TR 717
• Buttermilk TR 720
• Canebrake Horse Camp
• Cove Boat Ramp
• Fraley TR 722
• Greg's Loop TR 700
• Hang Glider TR 719
• Helen's Loop TR 712
• Home TR710
• Indian TR 708
• Josh TR 702
• Larry TR 711
• Leslie TR 704
• Megan TR 709
• Morgan TR 718
• River TR 713
• Robbins TR 724
• Rudolph TR 716
• Tanager TR 715
• Todd TR 707
• Tony TR 706
• Wren TR 714
• Birkhead Mountains Wilderness

  The Birkhead Mountains Wilderness was established by the 1984 North Carolina Wilderness Act. The goals are to protect and preserve its natural resources and wilderness character and provide for public use. The Wilderness includes 5,160 acres at the northern end of the Uwharrie Mountains.

  These mountains are considered to be the oldest on the North American Continent. Evidence of early Indians dates back over 12,000 years. The Catawba Indians  inhabited the area when the Europeans began exploring the region in the late 1600’s. By 1760 settlement had begun in earnest, opened up by the explorers and traders along the Ocaneechi Trail.

  The Birkhead family raised a son, John Watson (Watt), who was born in 1858. The 3,000 acres that he acquired over the years were made up of many small tenant farms. Thus the mountain range became known locally as the Birkhead Mountains.

  This old plantation is the core of the Wilderness. Remember, as you use the Wilderness, your challenge is to leave no trace of your passing. This will protect and preserve the area as true wilderness. Evidence of early Indians and settlers can often be found. These archeological and historic artifacts and sites hold clues to America's past. If disturbed , a part of our heritage is lost forever. Federal law protects such sites and artifacts on public land. If you discover such remains please leave them undisturbed.

  All trails within the Wilderness are designated hiking trails. Travel by horse, motorized vehicle or bicycle is prohibited. A detailed map of the Wilderness is available at the District Ranger’s Office.

• Hannahs Creek Trail
• Robbins Branch Trail
• Thornburg Trail
• Densons Creek Trail Biscoe Road
• Dutchman's Creek Trail Hwy 24/27
• Uwharrie National Recreation Trail
• West Morris Mtn. Campground
• Yates Place