Whether you're just dipping your toes into backpacking or returning to the trail after a Winter hiatus, you don't want to miss out on these four overnight trips this Spring.
This was originally published as a part of the Fall 2022 issue of Bear Necessity. Since discontinuing the online magazine, I've decided to share some my favorite content from it with those of you who follow the blog.
Uwharrie - Dutchmans Creek Loop
Explore two of the best backpacking trails in North Carolina's youngest National Forest. The hike begins by following Dutchmans Creek trail. You'll encounter several moderate inclines and declines along the way. A steep descent to Big Island Creek brings you to the halfway point. Camp here or continue another half mile to a four way junction with the Uwharrie trail. Head South on the Uwharrie trail the next day. The last 6 miles are sure to get your heart pumping with a much more challenging series of inclines and declines. You'll return to the parking area where you began. There's no shortage of creek crossings along this route. So, don't forget to practice your rock hopping technique. This trip is perfect for those seeking a lower mileage adventure with a little bit of everything.
Route Type: Loop
Distance: 12 miles (total)
Difficulty: Moderate
Blaze: Yellow (Dutchmans Creek trail) White (Uwharrie trail)
Fees & Permits: Parking at the Wood Run trailhead off
Hwy 24 is free. No dispersed camping permits required.
Location: Uwharrie National Forest, NC
Davidson River to Butter Gap
While the Art Loeb is known for being a strenuous trail, it does have more moderate sections. This being one of them. The hike begins at the Southern terminus across from the campground and follows Davidson River for the first mile. Water can be hard to come by, so best fill up here. The trail climbs over the next 6 miles passing an incredible rock face around mile 7. Your destination is a three sided shelter with a piped water source nearby. Retrace your route back to the trailhead the next day. This trip gives you a feel for one of Pisgah National Forest's most popular backpacking trails without throwing yourself into the thick of it.
Route Type: Out & back
Distance: 8.75 miles (one way) 17.5 (total)
Difficulty: Moderate
Blaze: White
Fees & Permits: Parking at the Art Loeb Southern terminus / trailhead is free.
No dispersed camping permits required. Bear canisters only required in specific areas North of the parkway. Read the Forestry Service's statement HERE.
Location: Pisgah National Forest, NC
Nicholson Ford to Ellicott Rock Wilderness
Want to camp beside a rushing river in the mountains? Look no further than Ellicott Rock Wilderness. The hike begins at Nicholson Ford access on the Foothills Trail and joins the Chattooga River Trail about half a mile in (near Pigpen Falls.) Follow this shared section of trail for the next 7.5 miles to Burrells Ford campground. Here's where you can choose to stop for the day, or continue on the Chattooga River Trail for a more secluded spot in Ellicott Rock Wilderness. You'll find several riverside campsites to choose from over the next 2 miles. Retrace your route back to the trailhead the next day. Water is abundant along this route and elevation changes are mild, making this an ideal trip for beginners.
Route Type: Out & back
Distance: 9.5 miles (one way) 19 (total)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Blaze: White and green
Fees & Permits: Parking at Nicholson Ford access is free but space is limited. No camping permits required. Groups limited to 10 people within the wilderness area. Read more about this segment of trail HERE.
Location: Sumter National Forest, SC
Warwoman Dell to Rabun Bald
Follow the lightly trafficked Bartram Trail to a historic fire tower. The hike begins at the Warwoman Dell parking area, passing Becky Branch Falls within the first half mile. The trail makes a steady climb for the next 12 miles with the sharpest ascent in the last 2. The 360 views at the top make the challenge well worth it though! You'll find a small campsite near the tower, but there's no spring on the bald. So, you'll want to take a detour to the sources near Wilson Gap or Salt Rock Gap along the way. Retrace your route back to the trailhead the next day. This trip is a great introduction for anyone interested in thru-hiking the 100 mile long Bartram Trail.
Route Type: Out & back
Distance: 13 miles (one way) 26 (total)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Blaze: Yellow
Fees & Permits: Parking at Warwoman Dell Recreation Area is free. No camping permits required. Read more about the recreation area HERE.
Location: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed these trip recommendations. Have you completed one of the routes suggested above? Let me know how it went in the comments!