North Carolina Trails

Falls Dam is nestled at the southern end of the Uwharrie National Forest OHV area just north of the flowing Yadkin River. Uwharrie National Forest OHV is home to a network of well-maintained off-roading trails offering options for beginners and experienced drivers alike. Pay a visit to the Eldorado Outpost just outside of the forest on Highway 109 to stock up on supplies and fuel and to purchase your OHV pass. If you plan your visit during autumn, you'll be treated to beautiful changing leaves and vibrant colors during your trail rides. Falls Dam and the Uwharrie National Forest are fun for individuals and families alike, especially if you choose to camp at the improved campgrounds like Badin Lake, where you can enjoy the water after a day on the trails.

Mostly mild with just a dash of wild, Dutch John is a natural addition to the list of trails you should complete when visiting the Uwharrie National Forest OHV area. But do not be fooled, if you're visiting during a particularly wet season, Dutch John could easily up the adrenaline with slick and muddy climbs that will test drivers and rigs alike. Be sure to stop by the Eldorado Outpost to fill up your tank and grab a Uwharrie Ghost Tales book from the gift shop to read from around the campfire at one of the two dispersed sites along the trail. Visiting in the autumn during the leaf change will add extra spooky vibes to your visit.

Are you not quite up for the adventure that is Dickey Bell but still want to hone your skills? Are you looking for excellent dispersed camping in Uwharrie with enough room for several vehicles? Rocky Mountain Loop will check both of those boxes - and then some. Located on the northern end of the Uwharrie National Forest, this trail offers a bit of everything for everyone. There are enough mandatory obstacles for beginners or stock vehicles to keep it interesting and a series of difficult optional obstacles that will test the most built rig. This trail weaves in and out of the lush and diverse forest, offering quite the showcase of colors, especially during the Autumn months.

If a nice, easy stroll through the Uwharrie National Forest sounds like your style of offroading, look no further than Slab Pile. This trail meanders through the lush forest, providing a great opportunity for a beginner or a stock vehicle the ability to access the depths of the forest. You will encounter no hard obstacles along this trail, but you will encounter Poser Rock, which will make a great photo for flex shots and to show off your rig's capability to friends and family. This could be your ticket to leaves changing colors in the autumn months, especially for a 2WD or AWD vehicle.

If you are a beginner or are just seeking a relaxing day out on the trails, Wolf Den should be on your Uwharrie shortlist. Several optional obstacles will test a stock rig if you are growing your offroad skillset with the ability to bail out if lines get too hard. One large campsite lies along this trail for those looking to spend a night out in the woods with friends and family. Throw this on your plan for the day, especially if you plan to connect Slab Pile to Dutch John.

Following along the western edge of the Grand Canyon of North Carolina, the Linville Gorge, Kistler Memorial Highway is an experience not to be missed. Across the gorge, views of Table Rock, Gingercake Mountain, Sitting Bear Mountain, The Chimneys, and Shortoff Mountain provide epic backdrops to a roller coaster road that many refer to as Old NC 105. The views are supported by campsites nestled in rhododendron, pine, and the misty air the Blue Ridge Mountains are known for.