The Land Trust for Central NC is excited to announce the dates for our third annual Uwharrie Trail Thru Hike backpacking trip, which will take place on May 28 – 31, 2015!

Have you heard of the Uwharrie Trail? At 40 miles, it is the longest single-track footpath in central North Carolina. The LandTrust and other conservation partners have been working for the past 20 years to reconnect this trail, and thanks to these efforts it can now be hiked in its 40-mile entirety. This Uwharrie Trail is known for its cultural and natural significance, including such unique features as old gold mines, rare plants and wildlife, ghost stories, and more. Join us for an awesome backpacking trip through some of the oldest mountains in the world, as we pay tribute to the trailblazers and uncover the secrets of the past.

This is a backpacking trip, so everyone will be responsible for bringing and carrying their own gear and food. We will have water filters, maps and navigational aids, and a first aid kit. The thru hike will go from south to north again this year, and we provide transportation back to the start (Wood Run Trailhead on Highway 24/27) from the end (Tot Hill /Talbott’s Branch trailhead on Tot Hill Farm Road). Campsites will be near roads, so if you are interested in joining in for only a portion or in slack packing, that is an option but you must arrange for your own transportation. If you are not able to join in for the hike but would like to participate as a trail angel, please let us know (and thank you!).

There is no required fee to attend the thru hike, but a suggested donation of $30 includes a cookout the last night and a commemorative thru hike tee shirt. We are also in need of trail angels to help out with logistics. You’ll receive a free tee shirt for helping. Any additional donations will go directly towards our work reconnecting the trail and are fully tax deductible.

The hike is four approximately 10-mile days with camping at established camps with vehicle access: Yates Place, Jumpin’ Off Rock, and the McArthur Trailhead. We will send a more detailed map of the route closer to the date along with some final information and details. Youth must be 16 or accompanied by an adult. All participants must sign a liability release form.

Thanks so much for your interest and support of The LandTrust and the Uwharrie Trail! We are looking forward to and hope you can join us for another great thru hike adventure!

And if you missed the video from first hike, you can check it out here and see how much fun we had!

Please call our office with questions (704) 647-0302 or email alicia@landtrustcnc.org for more information and to sign up.