Uwharrie Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Avery Cocozziello on Unsplash

Uwharrie Trail

~4 days · 38 mi · hard · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance38 mi
Days out4
Elevation gain3,970 ft
Gain / mile104 ft
High point1,001 ft
Difficulty index18/100

What the Uwharrie Trail is known for

The reconnected ~40-mile Uwharrie Trail thru-route across the ancient Uwharrie Mountains of central North Carolina, from Wood Run trailhead on NC 24/27 north to Tot Hill Farm Road.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Uwharrie Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 1,411 ft to 3,091 ft over 38 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 15.6 mi · 42%
  • Downhill 16.8 mi · 45%
  • Flat 4.9 mi · 13%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Uwharrie Trail?

18 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Uwharrie Trail scores 18/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Uwharrie Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Uwharrie Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 38 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Uwharrie Trail?

The Uwharrie Trail climbs roughly 3,970 ft total — about 104 ft per mile, topping out near 1,001 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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