A 2-day Uwharrie National Forest weekend
A two-day piedmont weekend based at Arrowhead Campground on Badin Lake, with an easy lakeshore loop, the forest's 29-mile recreation trail, and the only public OHV system in the Piedmont. Check the OHV season window before you book.
David Westbrooks
Published October 19, 2026
The short version
Uwharrie National Forest is the target for this weekend, using Arrowhead Campground at Badin Lake as a base. Aim for spring or fall, because recreation.gov notes that summer brings high humidity and temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s. The Uwharrie National Recreation Trail is 29 miles, per the Forest Service, even though some sites print 20. If OHV is part of your plan, the window is April 1 to December 15. This is a working forest, not a resort. Camping is what you get here, and that lack of polish keeps it cheap and quiet. It is a real slice of the Piedmont for groups who want to get away without driving four hours to the mountains.
Day 1
Arrowhead Campground
About an hour to settle in · easy · verified: Recreation.gov
Base camp. 48 sites. Sites 46-49 are tent only. There is a 0.75-mile paved loop for walking. You get hot showers and flush toilets here. Single sites cost $27, and double sites are $54, according to recreation.gov. If you have an electric hookup, there is a $7 surcharge. No water or sewer hookups are available. Alcohol and fireworks are prohibited. Sites 20 and 31 are always first come, first served for those who do not book ahead.
Badin Lake Hiking Trail
2.5-3 hours · easy · verified: US Forest Service
This is an easy 5.6-mile lakeshore loop known as trail number TR94, per the Forest Service. The path follows the shore for half the distance before cutting through hardwood forest back to the Cove Boat Ramp. The Youth Conservation Corps built it in 1979 and 1980. Watch for bald eagles over the water. If the lake is high, the trail gets boggy near the creek mouths. Bring shoes you do not mind getting muddy.
Kings Mountain Point Day Use Area
1-2 hours · easy · verified: US Forest Service
This area is a peninsula jutting into Badin Lake. It features four accessible fishing piers and a paved trail that circles 34 picnic sites, per the Forest Service. There is paved parking for 50 cars. The area remains open to the public even if the pavilion is reserved for a private event. It is a low-effort spot to get on the water and stretch your legs without leaving the pavement.
Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex
Half a day · moderate · verified: US Forest Service
This is the only public OHV system in the Piedmont. It covers 17 miles across 9 named trails, per the Forest Service. The window is strict: open April 1 to December 15. You must have a pass displayed on your vehicle. Call the district office at 910-576-6391 for current pricing. Unlicensed vehicles must be trailered to the trailhead. The system is also open to mountain bikes and e-bikes.
Day 2
Uwharrie National Recreation Trail
3-5 hours for a section · moderate · verified: US Forest Service
This trail is 29 miles long, per the Forest Service, though some travel sites still print 20. It was built between 1972 and 1975 by Scoutmaster Joe Moffit and his troop. The path is rated easy to moderate with white blazes. Do not try to hike the whole thing in a day; walk a section instead. You will find old home sites and gold mines along the way, and Dark Mountain offers a western view.
Dutchman's Creek Trail
3-4 hours · moderate · verified: US Forest Service
This 11.5-mile trail uses yellow blazes, per the Forest Service. It was built as a loop alternate for the southern portion of the Uwharrie Trail. It starts at the same parking lot on Highway 24/27. It is a good option if you want a moderate hike that avoids the main recreation trail but stays in the same general area. It is rated easy to moderate and offers a different perspective on the forest's southern end.
Birkhead Mountains Wilderness
2-4 hours · moderate · verified: US Forest Service
This area covers 5,160 acres at the northern end of the forest, per the Forest Service. It was established by the 1984 North Carolina Wilderness Act. Only hiking is allowed here; no horses are permitted. The Robbins Branch trail is 3.0 miles, and the Birkhead Mountain Trail is 5.9. Trailheads are off Lassiter Mill Road. Follow leave no trace principles to keep this wilderness primitive.
Morrow Mountain State Park
2-3 hours · easy · verified: NC State Parks
Located in Stanly County, this park is 50 miles northeast of Charlotte, per NC State Parks. There is no day-use access fee. It offers 54 miles of hiking and 33 miles of bridle trail. The museum is open daily from 10 to 5. October hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and November is 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Note that the pool is closed for the 2026 season.
Where to stay
Arrowhead Campground (campground · Badin Lake Recreation Area, Uwharrie National Forest)
This is the primary base in the Badin Lake Recreation Area. It is open year-round and provides hot showers, flush toilets, and a dump station, according to recreation.gov. Single sites cost $27 and double sites cost $54. Alcohol is prohibited on the grounds. If you are arriving without a reservation, campsites 20 and 31 are held specifically for walk-ups.
Badin Lake Campground (campground · Badin Lake Recreation Area, Uwharrie National Forest)
This is a stripped-down option with 35 non-electric sites, per the Forest Service. Some sites sit directly on the lakeshore. It is open year-round and has a host on site 12. Trash cans and dumpsters are provided. It is a basic setup for those who want to be close to the water without the amenities found at Arrowhead.
Morrow Mountain State Park (campground · Stanly County, about 50 miles northeast of Charlotte)
Located in Stanly County, this is the best choice if someone in your group refuses to sleep on the ground, per NC State Parks. They offer vacation cabins, trailer and RV sites with some electric, group tent sites, and standard tent sites including backpacking options. The park provides showers, a dump station, and firewood. Day use is free, but camping fees apply, so book your site in advance.
If you book lodging or buy gear through a link on this page, Carolina Weekend may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What to bring
- Waterproof boots because the Badin Lake Hiking Trail gets boggy near the creeks.
- A valid OHV pass and a trailer for any unlicensed vehicles to follow forest rules.
- A physical map of the OHV complex, because the Forest Service asks riders to carry one.
- A cooler with no alcohol to comply with Arrowhead Campground rules.
- A cookstove for your meals since Arrowhead has no water hookups.
- Sun protection for the open fishing piers at Kings Mountain Point.
- A sturdy tent for the tent-only sites 46-49 at Arrowhead.
- High-visibility clothing if you go out during deer season, since Yates Place is a known hunter staging area.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail?
The trail is 29 miles long according to the Forest Service. You may see travel sites print that it is approximately 20 miles, but the official number is 29. It is rated easy to moderate and can be hiked in sections, which is the best way to experience the terrain.
When are the OHV trails open in Uwharrie?
The Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex is open from April 1 to December 15, per the Forest Service. It is closed the rest of the year. You must have a pass displayed on your vehicle to use the 17 miles of trails. Call the district office at 910-576-6391 for current pricing.
Does Arrowhead Campground have showers?
Yes, Arrowhead Campground provides hot showers and flush toilets for its 48 sites, according to recreation.gov. Single sites cost $27 and double sites cost $54. Note that alcohol is prohibited throughout the campground. There is also a dump station across from the pay station for RV users.
Can I take my horse into the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness?
No, the 5,160 acres of the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness are designated for hiking trails only, per the Forest Service. Horse and pack animals are not allowed within the wilderness boundary. This rule helps keep the area primitive and undisturbed for hikers. Stick to the designated hiking trails like Robbins Branch.
Is there a fee to enter Morrow Mountain State Park?
There is no day-use access fee for the park, per NC State Parks. However, you will still pay for camping, boat rentals, and some facility reservations. The museum is open daily from 10 to 5, and you can enjoy 54 miles of hiking trails throughout the park.
What is the best time of year to visit Uwharrie?
Spring and fall are the best options, with temperatures typically in the 60s and 70s, according to recreation.gov. Summer brings high humidity and temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s, making it less comfortable for hiking. Time your trip to avoid the summer heat if you plan on spending the whole day outside.
How I verified this itinerary
Trail names, distances, elevation, difficulty, and seasonal windows were checked against the National Park Service, US Forest Service, AllTrails, and local sources at write time. Conditions change, so confirm current trail and park status before you go. See my methodology.