Uwharrie NF Roads Analysis

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Uwharrie NF Roads Analysis ROADS ANALYSIS PROCESS REPORT UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST DECEMBER 2003 USDA, Forest Service, Uwharrie National Forest Uwharrie Ranger District 789 NC Highway 24/27 East Troy, North Carolina 27371-9332 U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. U.S. Department of Agriculture Uwharrie National Forest Forest Service Roads Analysis Process TABLE OF CONTENTS ITEM PAGE List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. iii List of Figures ................................................................................................................................ iii Acronyms and Abbreviations ........................................................................................................ iv INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 1-1 CHAPTER 1: SETTING UP THE ANALYSIS ............................................................. 1-2 1.1 Objectives of the Analysis ............................................................................................. 1-2 1.2 Interdisciplinary Team Members and Participants ........................................................ 1-3 1.3 Information Needs ......................................................................................................... 1-3 1.4 Analysis Plan ................................................................................................................. 1-4 1.4.1 Phase One: Gathering Information .................................................................... 1-4 1.4.2 Phase Two: Assessing Current Conditions ........................................................ 1-5 1.5 Public Involvement ........................................................................................................ 1-6 CHAPTER 2: DESCRIBING THE SITUATION ................................................................. 2-1 2.1 The Analysis Area ........................................................................................................ 2-1 2.2 The National Forest Transportation System ................................................................. 2-1 2.2.1 General Description ............................................................................................ 2-1 2.2.1.1 Forest Service Roads ............................................................................. 2-1 2.2.1.2 Forest Highways and Scenic Byways ................................................... 2-3 2.2.2 Meeting Forest Plan Objectives …………......................................................... 2-4 2.3 Budget........................................................................................................................... 2-5 CHAPTER 3: IDENTIFYING ISSUES.................................................................................. 3-1 3.1 The Process................................................................................................................... 3-1 3.2 Description of Issues .................................................................................................... 3-2 CHAPTER 4: ASSESSING CURRENT CONDITIONS ...................................................... 4-1 4.1 Ecosystem Functions and Processes............................................................................. 4-3 4.2 Aquatic, Riparian Zone, and Water Quality ................................................................. 4-6 4.3 Terrestrial Wildlife ..................................................................................................... 4-16 4.4 Economics .................................................................................................................. 4-18 4.5 Commodity Production: Timber, Minerals, Range, Water Production, Special Forest Products .......................................................................................................... 4-22 4.6 Special Use Permits .................................................................................................... 4-25 4.7 General Transportation ............................................................................................... 4-25 4.8 Administrative Uses ................................................................................................... 4-28 4.9 Protection.................................................................................................................... 4-29 4.10 Recreation: Unroaded Areas and Road-Related Recreation..................................... 4-30 i U.S. Department of Agriculture Uwharrie National Forest Forest Service Roads Analysis Process 4.11 Passive Use Value ..................................................................................................... 4-34 4.12 Social Issues .............................................................................................................. 4-35 4.13 Civil Rights and Environmental Justice .................................................................... 4-39 CHAPTER 5: DESCRIBING OPPORTUNITIES AND SETTING PRIORITIES ........... 5-1 5.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 5-1 5.2 Criteria for Assigning Values to Open Roads ............................................................... 5-1 5.2.1 Recreation Values ............................................................................................... 5-1 5.2.2 Other Social Values ............................................................................................ 5-2 5.2.3 Timber Management Values............................................................................... 5-2 5.2.4 Forest Management and Wildfire Suppression Values....................................... 5-3 5.2.5 Traffic Volume Values ....................................................................................... 5-4 5.3 Criteria for Assigning Risks to Open Roads ................................................................. 5-5 5.3.1 Aquatic Biota Vulnerability................................................................................ 5-5 5.3.2 Risk to Rare Species and Habitats ...................................................................... 5-5 5.3.3 Risk to Wildlife................................................................................................... 5-6 5.3.4 Risk to Wildfire Suppression .............................................................................. 5-6 5.3.5 Risk to Heritage Resources ................................................................................. 5-7 5.3.6 Risk to Public Safety........................................................................................... 5-8 5.3.7 Maintenance Costs .............................................................................................. 5-8 CHAPTER 6: KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................... 6-1 6.1 Key Findings.................................................................................................................. 6-3 6.2 Recommendations ......................................................................................................... 6-6 REFERENCES CITED ........................................................................................................ REF-1 APPENDICES APPENDIX A: The Road Matrix ....................................................................................... A-1 APPENDIX B: Noxious Weeds in North Carolina ............................................................B-1 APPENDIX C: Road Stream Crossings: Relative Erosion/Sediment Potential.................C-1 APPENDIX D: Road Management Guidelines.................................................................. D-1 ii U.S. Department of Agriculture Uwharrie National Forest Forest Service Roads Analysis Process LIST OF TABLES TABLE PAGE 1-1 Values and Risks Assessed ........................................................................................... 1-5 2-1 Road Mileage by Management Status .......................................................................... 2-2 2-2 Road Mileage by Maintenance Level ........................................................................... 2-3 2-3 Proposed Actions Listed From January 2001 Through July 2003................................ 2-4 2-4 Road Densities by Management Area on the Uwharrie National Forest...................... 2-5 4-1 Analysis Questions and Their Relevance to the Uwharrie National Forest.................. 4-1 4-2 Drainage Related Maintenance Needs on the Uwharrie National Forest ..................... 4-7 4-3 Road Surface Types and Relative Erodibility Ratings of the
Recommended publications
  • Basic Elements of Ground-Water Hydrology with Reference to Conditions in North Carolina by Ralph C Heath
    UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Basic Elements of Ground-Water Hydrology With Reference to Conditions in North Carolina By Ralph C Heath U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Open-File Report 80-44 Prepared in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Natural^ Resources and Community Development Raleigh, North Carolina 1980 United States Department of the Interior CECIL D. ANDRUS, Secretary GEOLOGICAL SURVEY H. W. Menard, Director For Additional Information Write to: Copies of this report may be purchased from: GEOLOGICAL SURVEY U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Open-File Services Section Post Office Box 2857 Branch of Distribution Box 25425, Federal Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27602 Denver, Colorado 80225 Preface Ground water is one of North Carolina's This report was prepared as an aid to most valuable natural resources. It is the developing a better understanding of the primary source-of water supplies in rural areas ground-water resources of the State. It and is also widely used by industries and consists of 46 essays grouped into five parts. municipalities, especially in the Coastal Plain. The topics covered by these essays range from However, its use is not increasing in proportion the most basic aspects of ground-water to the growth of the State's population and hydrology to the identification and correction economy. Instead, the present emphasis in of problems that affect the operation of supply water-supply development is on large regional wells. The essays were designed both for self systems based on reservoirs on large streams. study and for use in workshops on ground- The value of ground water as a resource not water hydrology and on the development and only depends on its widespread occurrence operation of ground-water supplies.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Enjoy Your North Carolina State Parks
    NORTH CAROLINA STATE PARKS — YOUR STATE PARKS The State Parks described in this booklet portunities for economical vacations—either are the result of planning and development in the modern, fully equipped vacation cabins over a number of years. or in the campgrounds. Endowed by nature with ideal sites that We sincerely believe that North Carolina's range from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean well planned, well located, well equipped and to the tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the well maintained State Parks are a matter of State has located its State Parks for easy ac- justifiable pride in which every citizen has a cess as well as for varied appeal. They offer a share. This is earned by your cooperation in choice of homelike convenience and comfort observing the lenient rules and leaving the orderly. in sturdy, modern facilities . the hardy facilities and grounds clean and outdoor life of tenting and camp cooking . Keep this guide book for handy reference or the quick-and-easy freedom of a day's pic- use your State Parks year 'round for healthful nicking. The State Parks offer excellent op- recreation and relaxation! CONTENTS Page General Information 3-7 Information Chart 18-19 Map-Location of State Parks 18-19 Cliffs of the Neuse 8-9 Fort Macon 10-11 Hammocks Beach 12-13 Hanging Rock 14-15 Jones Lake 16-17 Morrow Mountain 20-21 Mount Jefferson 22-23 Mount Mitchell 24-25 Pettigrew 26-27 Reedy Creek 28-29 Singletary Lake 30-31 William B. Umstead 32-33 2 ADMINISTRATION GENERAL INFORMATION The North Carolina State Parks are developed, operated, maintained and administered hy the De- partment of Conservation and Development through its Division of State Parks.
    [Show full text]
  • North Carolina STATE PARKS
    North Carolina STATE PARKS North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development Division of State Parks North Carolina State Parks A guide to the areas set aside and maintained taining general information about the State as State Parks for the enjoyment of North Parks as a whole and brief word-and-picture Carolina's citizens and their guests — con- descriptions of each. f ) ) ) ) YOUR STATE PARKS THE STATE PARKS described in this well planned, well located, well equipped and booklet are the result of planning and well maintained State Parks are a matter of developing over a number of years. justifiable pride in which every citizen has Endowed by nature with ideal sites that a share. This is earned by your cooperation range from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in observing the lenient rules and leaving the to the tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains, facilities and grounds clean and orderly. the State has located its State Parks for easy Keep this guide book for handy reference- access as well as for varied appeal. They use your State Parks year 'round for health- offer a choice of homelike convenience and ful recreation and relaxation! comfort in sturdy, modern facilities . the hardy outdoor life of tenting and camp cook- Amos R. Kearns, Chairman ing ... or the quick-and-easy freedom of a Hugh M. Morton, Vice Chairman day's picnicking. The State Parks offer excel- Walter J. Damtoft lent opportunities for economical vacations— Eric W. Rodgers either in the modern, fully equipped vacation Miles J. Smith cabins or in the campgrounds.
    [Show full text]
  • Each Lesson Section Is Divided Into Four Segmentsobjectives, a List of References, Suggested Activities, and ? Content Outline of the Material
    DOCUMENT P7SUME ED 049 151 SP 007 022 AUTHOR Eeyer, Frederick Spooner, William Y. TITLE Earth Science. In-Seivice Television Program. INSTITUTION North Carolina State Board of Education, Raleigh. Dept.of Public Instruction. PUB DATE [70] NOTE 325p. EDRS PRICE EDRS Price MF-$0.65 HC-$13.16 DESCRIPTORS *Curriculum Guides, *Earth Science, Geoloyy, *Inservice Teacher Education, Meteorology, Oceanology, *Physical Geography, ',Se,,:ondary Education, Soil Science ABSTRACT GRADES OR AGES: Inservice course for secondary teacners. SUBJECT MATTER: Earth science. ORGANIZATION AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: The guide is intended for use with a 32- program television course f)c teachers, with material intended to be used in tne classroom. The introductory material explains the rationale of the course and includes the transmission schedule and bibliography. Each lesson section is divided into four segmentsobjectives, a list of references, suggested activities, and ? content outline of the material. The guide is offset printed and is in a looseleaf binder- OBJECTIVE:. AND ACTIVITIES: The o'cjectives are listed at the beginning of each lesson. Suggested activities arG included in each lesson and are intended to Provide examples of student investigation, demonstrations, or activities which will demonstrate 3 particular concept. INSTRUCTIONAL MATSFIALS: References to relevant printed material are given In each lesson, and other materials ate also referred to in the text. STUDENT ASSESSMENT: No provision is trade for evaluation. (MBM) US OF.TARTMENI OF HEALTH. EN/CA.710N & WE:JAME OFFICE OF EDUCATION THIS DOCLNIENT HAS BEEN REPRO- DUCED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM THE PERSON OR ORGANIZATION OHIG :HATING IT POINTS OF VIEW OR 0.IN ,ONS STATED GO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT OFFICIAL OFF/CE OF EDU- CATION POSITION OR POLICY EARTH SCIENCE IN- SERVICE TELEVISION PROGRAM NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION /RALEIGH PREPARED AND PRESENTED BY FREDERICK L.
    [Show full text]
  • 2010 Stanly County Land Use Plan
    STANLY COUNTY SECTION 1: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STANLY COUNTY LAND USE PLAN Introduction to the Final Report This revision of the Land Use Plan for Stanly County updates the 2002 Land Use Analysis and Development Plan that was prepared for the Board of Commissioners by the County Planning Board and County Planning Department. While the 1977 and 2002 plans provided an adequate planning and infrastructure decision-making tool for county officials and the public, changes in county development patterns necessitate an update. Stanly County and the rest of the Yadkin-Pee Dee Lakes region have a reputation as a place of wonderful natural beauty, from the lakes and rivers of eastern Stanly County, to the “rolling Kansas” district of Millingport, to the Uwharrie Mountains near Morrow Mountain State Park. The steady rise in population over the years verifies Stanly County’s livability and reputation as an excellent place to live, work, and play. The county remains one of the leading agricultural counties in North Carolina. The agricultural economy was for decades augmented by a strong industrial sector based on the textile and aluminum industries, among others. In addition, tourism has emerged as an important industry for the county. Today Stanly County lies at the edge of the growing Charlotte metropolitan region, a region that now extends into Cabarrus and Union Counties, both of which share Stanly County’s western border. While indications are already apparent that parts of western Stanly County are experiencing increased development activity, it is expected that major infrastructure projects— among them the completion of the eastern leg of the Interstate 485 Charlotte by-pass, and the widening of NC 24/27 to four lanes from the county line to Albemarle—will speed the rate of development and growth in the county.
    [Show full text]
  • Economic Papers Nos
    NORTH CAROLINA GEOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC SURVEY JOSEPH HYDE PRATT, State Geologist ECONOMIC PAPER No. 48 FOREST FIRES IN NORTH CAROLINA DURING 1915, 1916 and 1917 AND PRESENT STATUS OF FOREST FIRE PREVENTION IN NORTH CAROLINA BY J. S. HOLMES, State Forester RALEIGH Edwards & Broipghton Printing Co. State Printers 1918 STATE GEOLOGICAL BOARD Governor T. W. Bickett, ex officio Chairman Raleigh, N. C. Mr. John Sprunt Hill Durham, N. C. Mr. Frank R. Hewitt Asheville, N. C. Mr. C. C. Smoot, III North Wilkesboro, N. C. Mr. Robert G. Lassiter Oxford, N. C. Joseph Hyde Fratt, State Geologist LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL Chapel Hill, N. C., May 22, 1918. To his Excellency, Honorable Thomas W. Bickett, Governor of North Carolina. Sir:—The protection of our forests from fire is generally recognized and urged as a necessary war measure, as well as an essential step towards safeguarding our Nation's future welfare. Owing to the lack of a State appropriation for carrying out the provisions of the forestry law of 1915, education and publicity are prac- tically the only weapons left to the Survey with which to fight this common menace. A report on the destruction to property in this State by forest fires during the past three years, as reported by correspondents in the various townships, together with a sketch of what has been done to combat this evil, should go far in convincing the people of North Carolina that stronger and more effective measures are a vital necessity. I, therefore, submit herewith, for publication as Economic Paper No. 48 of the Reports of the North Carolina Geological and Economic Survey, a report on the Forest Fires in North Carolina During 1915, 1916, and 1911 , and the Present Status of Forest Fire Prevention in North Carolina.
    [Show full text]
  • Uwharrie National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan
    U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Southern Region Uwharrie National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan National Forests in North Carolina R8-MB 140A May 2012 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Uwharrie National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan May 2012 Responsible Agency: USDA Forest Service Responsible Official: Elizabeth Agpaoa Regional Forester 1720 Peachtree Road NW Atlanta, GA 30309 404-347-4177 For more information contact: Forest Supervisor National Forests in North Carolina 160A Zillicoa Street Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 257-4200 The Purpose of the Plan This publication explains how the USDA Forest Service proposes to manage the Uwharrie National Forest (Uwharrie NF) over the next 15 years. Information is provided that describes what activities will be implemented, what public benefits are anticipated, and what will be the long-term conditions of the national forest as a result of implementing the plan.
    [Show full text]
  • Morrow Mountain State Park General Management Plan 2 Haw
    This page intentionally left blank MORROW MOUNTAIN STATE PARK GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 2 HAW Table of Contents I. Mission and Purpose…………………………………………………………………………………………………...4 II. History………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8 III. Themes and Inventory…………………………………………………………………………………………..…… .9 IV. Planning……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20 MORROW MOUNTAIN STATE PARK GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 3 HAW I. MISSION AND PURPOSE General Management Plans: The North Carolina General Statute 143B-135.52 requires each park to have an individual General Management Plan. As required, these plans seek to identify an individual parks purpose as a unit within the larger parks system and provide an analysis of the parks major resources and facilities. The General Management Plan also identifies current and future needs of the park and prioritizes a list of proposed projects intended to meet those identified needs. These plans are considered living documents, recognizing the various and dynamic factors which influence the planning process. Each park’s GMP is scheduled to be revisited every five years, or sooner if needed, to reflect the direction and vision of the State Parks Division. State Parks Mission The 1987 State Parks Act also defines the purpose of the state parks system is within the mission statement. It establishes that: the State of North Carolina offers unique archaeologic, geologic, biologic, scenic and recreational resources. These resources are part of the heritage of the people of this State. The heritage of a people should be preserved and managed by those people for their use and for the use of their visitors and descendants. MORROW MOUNTAIN STATE PARK GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 4 HAW Park Overview: Located in the central region of the State, within 2 hours drive of the urban centers of Raleigh and Charlotte, Morrow Mountain State park is 110 miles west of Raleigh and 45 miles east of Charlotte and 75 miles south of Triad region.
    [Show full text]
  • An Assessment of Lithic Extraction Technology at a Metavolcanic Quarry in the Slate Belt of North Carolina
    An Assessment of Lithic Extraction Technology at a Metavolcanic Quarry in the Slate Belt of North Carolina by Lawrence E. Abbott, Jr. Abstract The Three Hat Mountain Quarry, 31DV51, is located in Davidson County, North Carolina. Prehistoric groups used this quarry as a rich and variable source of metavolcanic raw materials, which included rhyodacites and tuffs. Excavations at the site revealed stratified deposits of cultural materials. This paper will present a comparative assessment of these materials and will address issues regarding changes in extraction technology, reduction strategies, and modes of distribution over time. Particular attention will be given to how the differences in raw material types across the quarry may have affected the technological aspects of procurement and initial processing strategies. In North Carolina we are both blessed and cursed at the same time. We are blessed in the fact that a major portion of the Piedmont Region of the state lies within the Carolina Slate Belt. The Slate Belt is a region of numerous metavolcanic outcrops, which supported prehistoric people with an abundance of knappable raw materials. As a result, the area is littered with prehistoric quarry sites. We are cursed in the fact that very little work has been undertaken on any of these quarries. Quarry studies in North Carolina is still in its infancy (Abbott 2003). Few detailed studies have been made at specific quarries. In this paper I will attempt to address several issues related to quarry studies, lithic resource procurement and distribution based on some of the information at hand. I will focus my discussion on a specific quarry site (31DV51, Three Hat Mountain) located in Davidson County, North Carolina.
    [Show full text]
  • The Trichoptera of North Carolina
    Families and genera within Trichoptera in North Carolina Spicipalpia (closed-cocoon makers) Integripalpia (portable-case makers) RHYACOPHILIDAE .................................................60 PHRYGANEIDAE .....................................................78 Rhyacophila (Agrypnia) HYDROPTILIDAE ...................................................62 (Banksiola) Oligostomis (Agraylea) (Phryganea) Dibusa Ptilostomis Hydroptila Leucotrichia BRACHYCENTRIDAE .............................................79 Mayatrichia Brachycentrus Neotrichia Micrasema Ochrotrichia LEPIDOSTOMATIDAE ............................................81 Orthotrichia Lepidostoma Oxyethira (Theliopsyche) Palaeagapetus LIMNEPHILIDAE .....................................................81 Stactobiella (Anabolia) GLOSSOSOMATIDAE ..............................................65 (Frenesia) Agapetus Hydatophylax Culoptila Ironoquia Glossosoma (Limnephilus) Matrioptila Platycentropus Protoptila Pseudostenophylax Pycnopsyche APATANIIDAE ..........................................................85 (fixed-retreat makers) Apatania Annulipalpia (Manophylax) PHILOPOTAMIDAE .................................................67 UENOIDAE .................................................................86 Chimarra Neophylax Dolophilodes GOERIDAE .................................................................87 (Fumanta) Goera (Sisko) (Goerita) Wormaldia LEPTOCERIDAE .......................................................88 PSYCHOMYIIDAE ....................................................68
    [Show full text]
  • Ecology and Behavior of the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus Horridus) in the Upper Piedmont of North Carolina: Identified Threats and Conservation Recommendations
    ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR OF THE TIMBER RATTLESNAKE (CROTALUS HORRIDUS) IN THE UPPER PIEDMONT OF NORTH CAROLINA: IDENTIFIED THREATS AND CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS JOHN B. SEALY ABSTRACT: A disjunct population of the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) was studied in the Sauratown Mountains, an upper Piedmont monadnock in north-central North Carolina. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this population is declining. A field study was thus initiated to examine the reproductive ecology, spatial requirements, and possible causes of the population decline in state parks that represent habitat islands surrounded by a fragmented landscape intersected with roads. Of snakes examined (n = 96), ten were implanted with radio transmitters and radio tracked, five for multiple seasons. Mass of pregnant females (n = 11) suggests that a minimum of 500 g is necessary for reproduction. Snakes hibernated as singles or small groups at elevations from 466 to 655 m. Non-random movements, stable home ranges, and site fidelity were observed in telemetered snakes. Males had larger home ranges and on average moved greater distances and more often than females. Disproportionate male mortality is a significant cause of population decline, causing a skew in the sex ratio (Male:Female, 1:3.7). Our observations show that humans may negatively impact pregnant females and their habitat. Management response to nuisance snakes was examined, and subsequently changed at Hanging Rock State Park. Short-distance translocation (n = 31), for example, was determined to be 100% effective in managing nuisance rattlesnakes. Management recommendations include public education as to the presence and protected status of C. horridus in North Carolina state parks, termination of long-distance translocation as a conservation management practice, and restriction of access to sites occupied by pregnant females.
    [Show full text]
  • Uwharrie National Forest Recreation Guide
    United States Department of Agriculture Recreation Guide Uw Discover the Uwharrie Ho ha National Forest, one of four me rri of the e N national forests in North Carolina. The forest Hike Uwh ati is named for the Uwharrie Mountains, known short or long arrie on Natio al F st as the oldest range in North America. The sections of the 20-mile Uwharrie nal Re ore prevalence of metavolcanic rocks has led National Recreation Trail (UNRT) to creation Trail geologists to surmise that a chain of volcanoes experience Uwharrie’s interior forest. The created the area’s mountains, once much higher heavily wooded trail is marked with white purchase property to re-establish UNRT to its but eroded over time into 1,000-foot peaks. blazes. It is open all year, and the difficulty original length of 50 miles. Archeologists have found human habitation level is rated from easy to moderate. in the Uwharrie Mountains spanning more The trail crosses several access points. Camping than 10,000 years. In 1790-1791, explorer John From south to north, look for trailhead There are several dispersed sites along the Lawson chronicled Native American tribes, parking at: route. Groups and individuals can camp at Yates plants, animals and geology in his journals, • NC Highway 24/27 Trailhead, 10 miles Place. There is a 0.25-mile connector trail to later published as A New Voyage to Carolina. He west of Troy the UNRT. Visitors looking for a campground called the river “Heighwaree,” and later explorers • Yates Place Camp on Dusty Level Road can try West Morris Mountain Campground, called it “Uharie.” (State Route (SR) 1146) which has individual tenting or camper sites, In 1931, the federal government began • NC Highway 109 Trailhead, eight miles with picnic tables, lantern posts and fire rings.
    [Show full text]