Uwharrie Bound

Uwharrie bound 2020

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LAKE TILLERY BADIN LAKE UWHARRIE National Forest A Special Supplement to the Montgomery Herald

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UWHARRIE BOUND

Blazing Trails

Since 1967 Montgomery Community College seeks to provide life-long educational opportunities for personal growth, while readying students of all types for existing and emerging careers.

Our campus in Troy features 134,400 square feet of facilities on 153 acres of land nestled in the hills of the scenic Uwharrie National Forest.

Visit www.montgomery.edu to start your journey.

UWHARRIE BOUND

Welcome

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explore the diversity discover the adventure celebrate the simple life we are...

From the editor‌ Located in the center of the state, the Uwharrie National Forest, Badin Lake and Lake Tillery are a connected playground for people of all ages and interests. Be it water sports, hiking, off road vehicle riding, trail riding on horseback, mountain biking, gold panning, camping or a host of other adventures, this outdoor setting is inviting.

Covering land acreage that gives everyone a spot for their activity of choice, this seemingly hidden spot comes alive on weekends, as thousands descend on the area. These weekenders come from across the state, as a family unit or a group of friends that share a similar interest. Most have their weekend sports equipment in tow ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

Uwharrie Bound focuses on these adventures, serving as both a resource and way to share with others just how much fun can be found in this hidden locale.

Editor Tammy McQueen-Dunn

uwharrie bound Staff Tammy McQueen-Dunn Editor/General Manager Emily Eddins Office Manager Debby Barden Copy Editor Tammy H. O’Brien Account Executive Amanda Meadows Graphic Design Lizbeth Nauta Magazine Layout

Published by Womack Publishing Co., Inc., 139 Bruton Street Troy, N.C. 27371 Phone: (910) 576-6051 Fax: (910) 576-1050 Submit stories: sendnews@montgomeryherald.com To advertise: ads@montgomeryherald.com www.montgomeryherald.com

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UWHARRIE BOUND

Hiking

By Tammy Dunn Nifty Rocks For many years I have heard about this cool rock formation that abides in the Uwharrie National Forest. I wanted to visit the site to see what all this talk about a place called Nifty Rocks was all about; however, no one could really explain how to get there… at least not in a manner I really understood; for example, take a left on this road and go to the third road on the left and right past the sharp curve you will find a road leading to Nifty Rocks. There will be signs clearly marking the way. Nope, no such set of directions existed, but I did have Don Childrey’s book, Uwharrie Lakes Region Trail Guide, that helped out, a brief from the national forest, as well as a short description by Crystal Cockman from June of 2014.

After studying things a bit I decided I might have the best luck if I parked at Cove Boat Ramp in the UNF, since there is usually ample parking in that area. I parked, got my water bottle and ventured over to the sign to check out the maps. Looking at the maps, I thought if I go to the right of the parking lot I would find Big Rock Loop, which is one of the trails most indicated in my research. Not seeing a clearly marked entrance, I just went off into the woods thinking I surely would find the trail, and eventually I did find a trail, just not the one I was looking for. I ended up walking a nice, partially paved trail around Arrowhead Campground and then walked a portion of Badin Lake Trial, which I found enjoyable, but there was no finding Nifty Rocks that day.

Judging by where I had ended up on the first try, I returned a week or so later and headed to the opposite side of the parking lot. Again, not seeing any clearly marked entrance, I headed into the unknown again. Before long I began to notice what was clearly a trail or at least a well-worn path. Before long I began to see green blazes on trees, indicating it was definitely a trail. I cross over the back end of a nar-

row cove, not far from the boat ramp area, and proceeded up a hill following the green blazes. Pretty soon I realized, in part due to the large amount of erosion, that I was on a horse trail, most likely Leslie Trail. The erosion made it necessary to detour slightly off trail, but that was no biggie. Soon, the more obvious signs of this being a well-traveled horse trail came into view as horses and their riders frequently came up from behind me. After 30 minutes or so (I am a slow hiker/walker.) I came to the top of a trail.

One sign pointed to the lake and the other pointed to Tony Trail. Not knowing exactly which way to go, I assumed I needed to still be climbing and chose the trail to the left, which turned out to be correct. Along this trail I encountered an old roadbed and was not so sure if I should go in that direction or continue to climb, so I chose to keep going up. I don’t mean to sound like this trail is a straight up ascent. It is not at all. It is actually considered moderate, but I have learned what one considers moderate is all in one’s ability. No, this is not flat, easy strolling, but it is an easy climb in the woods.

Eventually I came upon a large rock outcrop and for a minute I thought I might have found Nifty Rocks. Unsure, I took a picture and called a friend, who basically told me to keep going, so I did. A short distance away I knew I had truly found Nifty Rocks. I did not need to call a friend this time. It was obvious.

The site is amazing. There are a large (Remember it is all in your perspective.) number of rocks standing 20 plus feet in height. There are lots of climbing rocks, rocks that make you question their formation and rocks for just sitting and taking in the serenity.

For me I found it breathtaking to know this was right in our backyard and delighted to know I had found Nifty Rocks.

Eventually I headed back down the trail and when I reached the crossway, I decided to take a different route and headed toward the lake. Huge mistake!

UWHARRIE BOUND

Visit Troy, NC

• Uwharrie Outdoor Festival • TroyFest - Annual 4th of July Celebration • Denson’s Creek Golf Course • Montgomery County Farmers’ Market • Movies on Main • Concerts at the TownStage Amphitheater • and much more!

Visit our website for a list of events, restaurants, shops, recreational activities, festivals and more! www.troy.nc.us

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UWHARRIE BOUND Yes, the trail was smooth and easy, until I got to the lake and either I missed something or the trail should end there. I knew there was supposed to be a trail that went along the lake and would take me back to the boat landing; however, I don’t think I ever truly found that trail. What I did find was lots of trash left by campers and one very pretty camping area that overlooked the lake. I walked and walked thinking I was going in the right direction but I knew the tail in was nowhere near this long. Eventually I spotted some fishermen on the lake and confirmed my directions. Heading out again, I encountered a lot of dead trees that I either had to go over or under. Eventually I came upon a ravine that was between civilization and me. I could see where I wanted to be but could not get there. If the weather had been warm enough I would have swum across the lake to get there and I did give it serious consideration; however, I had no choice really but to tackle the ravine (Remember it is all perspective and to me it was a deep ravine, but probably not so much to the kid on the rocks.). I found a sturdy stick and started the descent, weaving my way along, eventually finding a place I thought I could cross over. I made it up the other side and walked another hour or so, eventually finding my way back. I still believe there is a trail somewhere in that area and I just missed it somehow and sometime. When the memory fades of the last encounter, I will return to see if I can find it. Until then I am thankful I did not have to call for help to get out. However, Childrey’s book had indicated there was a second option to getting to Nifty Rocks and I wanted to find that entrance.

Knowing it was off Moccasin Road, which is one of the main roads in UNF, that part was no problem and actually if I had followed Childrey’s directions closer, it would have not taken me two attempts to find Nifty Rocks again. He states that the entrance is via an old roadbed 1.4 miles from Wolf Den Trailhead. The first attempt at finding the location was a bit less scientific and I guessed the mileage. I came upon an old roadbed and pulled off. I took off down the roadbed and quickly came upon an area where deer had obviously been bedding. I continued but there was no clear path. Eventually I turned back, for fear of becoming totally lost. When I got back to the road bed, I took off in another direction and would see occasional pink ties on the trees, knowing they were some kind of marker, just not so sure they were actually trail markers. I had walked a mile or so into the woods when I came upon a strangely calm, open area. By open, I mean it did not have some of the heavy ground cover that I had encountered along the

UWHARRIE BOUND

Guide Online The U.S. Forest Service today unveiled the new recreation guide to the Uwharrie National Forest.

The Uwharrie National Forest Recreation Guide serves as the primary informational source for recreation in the national forest. The new guide gives visitors the information they need to have an enjoyable visit in the 50,000-acre forest in North Carolina’s piedmont. The guide offers general information about the forest, as well as special features about the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail and camping. The publication provides details on where visitors can engage in activities such as horse riding, off-highway vehicle riding, mountain biking and more. The guide also includes safety tips and a colorful map.

Hard copies of the Uwharrie National Forest Recreation Guide are available at the Uwharrie Ranger District office. The office is located at 789 NC 24/27 East, Troy, NC 27371.

For more information about the Uwharrie National Forest and the other three national forests in North Carolina, visit www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc.

Trails Uwharrie National Recreation Trail: 20 miles, easy to moderate. Starts on N.C. 24/27 10 miles west of Troy along with Dutchman’s Creek Trail (a 9.5 mile loop) and ends at S.R. 1306 2 miles east of Ophir. Additional access at N.C. 109, 8 miles west of Troy and along other roads the trail crosses. Variety of scenery, streams and rocky climbs, Dark Mountain, three camping areas.

Badin Lake Recreation area: Includes 5.6-mile Badin Lake Trail loop, which has a 2.5-mile route available. Other easy trails skirting coves along Badin Lake include Bates, Berner, Big Rock Loop, Blackburn and Burl Tree Way. Includes Badin Lake Campground, group campground and horse camp.

Hiking Safety There are plenty of streams in the forest, but all visitors should treat water with a purification kit before drinking. Ticks and chiggers are prevalent. Keep them at bay with repellent. Visitors may see snakes during warm months. Watch out for venomous snakes, including copperheads and rattlesnakes that live in the Uwharrie National Forest, and give them a wide berth.

Practice these safety tips when hiking: • Be prepared by carrying a map and compass.

• Dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

• Carry plenty of water, food and insect repellent.

• Don’t hike alone.

• Give trip plans to a friend or relative.

• Know whether the trail is for hiking only or if equestrians or mountain bikers use the trail too.

Birkhead Mountains Wilderness: 10 miles of trails, including Birkhead Mountain Trail, Robbins Branch, Hannah’s Creek. Long, wooded ridges, moderately steep terrain, small streams, rocky outcroppings and the Uwharrie River; elevations from about 450 feet on drainage bottoms to around 950 feet on Cedar Rock Mountain.

Camping is allowed in the wilderness area as along as it is at least 200 feet from all streams, creeks, roads and wildlife fields.

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UWHARRIE BOUND 94 Badin Lake: 5.6 miles Blaze: White

Blaze: Green 6 w - Rating: Easy

702 Josh: 2 miles

Blaze: Green 6 w - Rating: Easy

703 Lake Trail: 1.1 miles Blaze: Green 6 w - Rating: Easy

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KING'S MOUNTAIN POINT

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j

701

597

94

700

BADIN LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND

704 Leslie: 1.2 miles

701

Blaze: Dark Green

6 w - Rating: Moderate 705 Big Rock Loop: 1.2 miles

Blaze: Dark Green 6 w Rating: Moderate 1.8 miles 706 Tony: Blaze: Dark Green

6w

ON

701 Blackburn: 2.2 miles

BADIN LAKE TRAIL MAP

NT

Greg’s Loop: 1.7 miles 700 Blaze: Green 6 w - Rating: Easy

DE

w Rating: Easy

701

BADI N LAKE

597A

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11 94

702

BADIN LAKE CAMPGROUND

Rating: Moderate

SR 1154

702

702

544

712 712

707 Todd: 2.1 miles

702 703

Blaze: Magenta 6 w Rating: Easy

708

703

ARROWHEAD CAMPGROUND

708 Indian: 1.1 miles

OLD HORSE CAMP

CANEBRAKE 710 HORSE CAMP

597

710

708

709 Megan: 1.7 miles

TROY

Blaze: Dark Green 6 w Rating: Moderate

711

712

Blaze: Magenta Rating: Easy

6w

710 Home: 2.5 miles

COVE BOAT RAMP

705

Blaze: Magenta Rating: Easy 6w

V

NIFTY ROCKS

711 Larry: 1.5 miles

Blaze: Magenta 6 w Rating: Easy

597B

704

710

709

704

109

OVERFLOW HORSE CAMP

544

706

Helen’s Loop: 2.2 miles

712 Blaze: Magenta 6w

713

711

707

711

576

Rating: Easy

710

SR 1153 576

6w

707

Wren: 0.3 mile

714 Blaze: Salmon Rating: Easy 6w

FLINTLOCK VALLEY

706

707

Blaze: Salmon Rating: Easy

6w

89

717 Burl Tree Way: 1.7 miles

79

2.5 miles 722 Fraley: Blaze: Yellow

FALLS DAM TRAILHEAD

Rating: Difficult

Bates: 1.7 miles

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ive

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LEGEND

92 Rocky Mtn. Loop: 2.8 miles

Uwharrie National Forest

Blaze: Orange Rating: Moderate

Private Land

93 Sawmill: 1.1miles

≠

Uw

91

Blaze: Orange

390 Daniel: 2.1 miles

720

HANG GLIDER ROCK

FLATWOODS TRAILHEAD

≠ Rating: Difficult

91

719

96

vo s er

Blaze: Orange

≠

91

553

90 Dutch John: 2.1 miles

Dickey Bell: 3.5 miles Blaze: Orange Rating: Difficult

720

721 723

V

e ÊR

≠ Rating: Moderate

≠

90

Na rrow s

89A 79 Slab Pile: 1.2 miles

Blaze: Orange Rating: Moderate

555

DEEP WATER TRAIL CAMP

724 Robbins: 1.7 miles

96 Falls Dam: 2.8 miles

713

719

90

96

723 Blaze: Yellow

≠

er

89 ART LILLEY CAMPGROUND

Rating: Moderate

COTTON PLACE TRAILHEAD

718

90

0.6 mile 721 Berner: Blaze: Yellow Rating: Easy 6w

Blaze: Orange Rating: Moderate

722

724

Blaze: Salmon 6 w Rating: Moderate

≠

91

89

720 Buttermilk: 1 mile

Riv

Blaze: Salmon Rating: Difficult

Blaze: Orange ≠ Rating: Easy

553

79

96

719 Hang Glider: 1.4 miles

6w

89 Wolfden: 1.3 miles

390

rie

79

har

92

Blaze: Salmon Rating: Easy

6w

Blaze: Yellow Rating: Easy 6w

92

DUTCH JOHN TRAILHEAD

516

718 Morgan: 1.7 miles

713

Uw

Blaze: Salmon Rating: Easy

6w

717 717

V KODAK ROCK

92

WOLF DEN TRAILHEAD

706

715

717

718

92

93

722

716 Rudolph: 0.3 mile

6w

716

&SHOOTING RANGE

576

715 Tanager: 0.7 mile Blaze: Salmon 6 w Rating: Easy

6w

713

715

Rating: Moderate

UWHARRIE HUNT CAMP

714

River: 3.6 miles

713 Blaze: Salmon

Hiking Trail

OHV

3

Horse, Hiker, Bike Trail

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Off-Highway-Vehicle Trail Campground Parking

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Fishing Horse Trail OHV Trail

6584

Hiking Trail Bike Trail

1150

Shooting Range Scenic View

Boat Ramp

597 Forest Service Road

Picnic Area

109

State Highway

0

0.5

1 mile

Blaze: Orange Rating: Extremely difficult

A few tips Be careful of turning an ankle due to the rocky surface in this area.

Pack it in, pack it out.

Leave it better than you found it….Move a tree off the path or a rock back to the creek for a footpath.

Follow the blazed trails Use Google Maps on your smart phone to note your location. To do this tap the little blue dot that shows your current location. That pulls up another menu that will set that location on your phone, should you need help to find your way back.

UWHARRIE BOUND way. Eventually I noticed a rather large white sign on a tree stating the area was an archeological site and warning not to disturb anything.

I knew there were several of these sites in the forest; however, this was the first one I had actually encountered. I appreciate the forest service and respect the work they and their partners do, so other than taking in the calm surrounding, I left things as they were and continued‌but to no avail.

Another try was much the same, yielding a good walk in the woods that was clearly off the beaten path but no Nifty Rocks in sight. This time I knew I had started a bit late and was somewhat turned around.

I was glad for cell service and was able to pick up the direction of Moccasin Road. When I came out of the woods I was unsure in which direction my vehicle would be, so I started walking. Then I turned around and walked back the other way, eventually finding my ride.

The next attempt, I decided to pay more attention. I set my mileage calculator in the car when I reached the Wolf Den Trailhead and at exactly 1.4 miles I pulled off and knew immediately this was going to be a successful try. Right at the old roadbed was a sign marking a trail. This time I had actually packed a picnic lunch and had the good sense to start earlier and noted my location on my phone, which I usually try to do, but for some reason had forgotten on the two previous ventures.

It was off into the woods again on a clearly marked trail, at least for the most part. When I got to a small outcrop of rocks that I either had to detour around or go over, I chose to go over and as I started up the hill in front of the rocks, I began to notice there were no longer any green blazes. I knew immediately I

was off the trail and turned around.

At the rock outcrop I was supposed to turn right and yes it was marked but I made an assumption, which you should not do when out in the woods.

Back on the trail the erosion caused a lot of off trail walking but soon I knew I was close to my destination. Once again I had found Nifty Rocks. As there often is on weekends, there were several horses and riders out socializing at the scenic spot. I found a large rock to the side and planted myself there to take in the surrounding. I shared my lunch with a couple of friendly dogs and struck up a conversation with a young teen who shared that he had been coming to the area since he was four years old. After enjoying some of his holiday candy he proceeded to climb to the top of one of the rocks showing off his young athleticism.

Heading back to my vehicle, I realized this trek was less than a half-mile in as long as I stayed on the trail, much better than the walk

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around the lake I had taken earlier, and now a mission accomplished.

However, I did notice another old road bed on my second attempt at finding Nifty Rocks that I am curious as to where it leads; so that might be next on my places to check out. Until then‌tread lightly and enjoy the outdoors.

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UWHARRIE BOUND Luther Place to Jumping Off Rock Hike

By CrysTal CoCkman This past Saturday, two friends and I did a hike I’ve done several times before but is always very meaningful to me because it’s on a trail I helped build on land I helped protect. This hike is about 7 miles in length and starts at the Luther Trailhead off Pisgah Covered Bridge Road. This trailhead is not easy to find, as you basically turn in at the Luther’s driveway and then take the USFS road to the left to a USFS gate. From here, you can hike 7 miles to Jumping Off Rock on the Luther Spur and the Uwharrie Trail.

The original Uwharrie Trail came out here at this trailhead and then went up Pisgah Covered Bridge Road and Strieby Church Road before connecting back up to the woods at the end of Strieby Church Road. There was always private land between where the state maintenance of that road ends and the USFS land begins, so that area is no longer open to the public. To hike to the Birkheads now, you must turn and hike down High Pine Church Road and up Lassiter Mill Road to the Robbins Branch trailhead.

But we weren’t going north that day; we were going south. The old UT is now the Luther Spur until you come to the ridge of a mountain (which does not have a name that I know of), and a new section of UT goes north and the old UT goes south.

The southerly route takes you along that ridge for a while before hiking down to a very small creek and then up King Mountain. Just as you start the climb up King Mountain, there’s a side trail to one of Joe Moffitt’s old camps, Camp 7 – basically a double fire pit with a placard. We didn’t hike down there this trip since I’ve been many times.

We climbed up King Mountain and took a selfie with the sign indicating it’s the highest point on the Uwharrie Trail. Three Rivers Land Trust helped the USFS and WRC acquire portions of the King Mountain Tract back in 2012. From there on this hike, you go down King Mountain and come out on Thayer Road at the Joe Moffitt Trailhead. The Land Trust purchased then transferred that tract to USFS in 2015. The climb up Little Long Mountain is gradual, and the panoramic views from the top are spectacular. The Uwharrie Trail’s only trail shelter also resides atop Little Long Mountain.

The climb down Little Long Mountain ends with a stroll alongside Poison Fork Creek. This is an outstanding resource water and a very picturesque

stream. You will have to cross the creek at one point, and thankfully this weekend the water was low enough to do that without getting wet feet – which is not always possible. Just the other side of the creek you can take a short side trail to the grave of little Dania Woodell. The story of her grave is recounted as the “Lost Grave on Long Mountain” in Joe Moffitt’s book, “An Afternoon Hike in the Past.”

From there you’ll climb up a portion of Long Mountain and come to another side trail that takes you to Camp 8B. This is another of Joe’s camps complete with fire pit and placard. It also used to be an old home site. We didn’t take that side trail this trip either, but I’ve seen it many times. Not far from there you come to the high point but not the peak of Long Mountain. That’s farther north and no longer part of the Uwharrie Trail – but still protected. It’s owned by the North Carolina Plant Conservation Program. Then it’s a descent to Flint Hill Road and the Jumping Off Rock trailhead.

We had beautiful weather on Saturday, sunny and cool with low humidity. It was the perfect day for a hike. One of my friends had just gotten back from a work trip in Oklahoma and was glad for a day out of the city and in the woods. I never need an excuse for a walk through the woods though, so it didn’t take any convincing to get me out on the trail. With this beautiful fall weather, I hope to be spending more Saturdays hiking in the great outdoors.

Cockman is the Director of Conservation for Three Rivers Land Trust.

UWHARRIE BOUND

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UWHARRIE BOUND

Paddling and Hiking on Bear Creek

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By CrysTal CoCkman

n Sunday April 19, I was able to do something I’d wanted to for a long time – I went for a paddle on Bear Creek. The access to this creek where I put in at is just north of Robbins, a small town in Northern Moore County, which also just happens to be the place where I grew up. So, even though I spent about half of my life living just a few minutes away from this access, I had never put in a kayak here.

I had heard it was a beautiful place to paddle, and I was not disappointed. The creek was framed by green trees and vegetation, with an occasional rock outcrop. Mountain laurel and pinxter azalea were in bloom, as was crossvine and I even spotted some fire pink plants up on one of the higher banks. For the most part the creek was flat water, though we did have to paddle up one rapids area, though it was not flowing very fast so it was easy enough.

We paddled almost all the way up to the dam, and were close to an area known as “Gun Works Rapids” – the name a reference to the fact that Kennedy rifles were made in this area back during the Revolutionary War, when Robbins was known as Mechanics Hill.

My freshman year of college I took a writing class called Rhetorics of Place, and we had to pick one location and write about it the entire semester, and I chose Robbins.

I framed that essay about how the town’s name had changed over time, and how it related to historical and cultural events of that area. So I was already familiar with the Mechanics Hill name, and there’s even a historical marker near the old Woodman Pool on Salisbury Street and a Daughters of the Revolution historical marker on the road on Main Street that talks about that history.

Other past names for the town of Robbins include Gold Region, Hemp, and Elise.

Robbins was an old textile mill city, which is where my grandparents and many of the town’s residents worked a few generations ago. However, as most of those jobs went overseas, those mills closed down and few jobs remained. There was a Perdue chicken processing plant still in the town when I grew up there, but even it shut down about the time I went off to college.

However, now thanks to a variety of great local townspeople, the town is using recreation to build a new focus for its local economy.

In addition to the creek access, there are also about 6 miles of trails that can be hiked by parking at the old Water Plant. There’s also a disk golf course here at the same location. On Friday, April 24 I decided to head back to Robbins to hike some of those trails.

The main trail is the Bear Creek Trail or Super Loop Trail, and there

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UWHARRIE BOUND are some side trails with interesting names like Buzzard Rock and Running Cedar Loop. I hiked the main trail loop which ended up being about 4.5 miles total. For a good part that trail parallels Bear creek, and it is very picturesque. There are sections where ferns carpet the forest floor, and a pretty little creek to cross with lots of Atamasco lilies in bloom. I also saw a lot of jack-in-the-pulpits and mountain laurel flowering, as well as some areas with large exposed rocks.

Foothills Outdoors is a nonprofit started by local residents Willam McDuffie and others, and they maintain the trails and facilities found here. They also host various paddle races in the Piedmont area throughout the year. I’ve also heard about a Bear Creek Hiking Club, that I know has done some hikes open to the public in the past, though not sure how active they are now during the COVID-19 situation.

Rebranding themselves as an outdoor destination is a positive transition for the town of Robbins, and I appreciate this more than most as a local person and someone who spends a lot of time outdoors. Next time you’re in the area consider checking out the paddle access or the hiking trails and see the beautiful landscapes this area has to offer, then stop by one of the local restaurants and pick up a homemade milkshake or friend chicken sandwich. I am sure glad I finally got out there to paddle the creek and hike the trails, and I know I will be back again soon.

Cockman is the Director of Conservation for Three Rivers Land Trust.

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UWHARRIE BOUND

Woodrum Mountain Bike Trails

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he Woodrun Mountain Bike Trails have been gaining popularity locally and throughout the state as more people are choosing to ride bikes they peddle themselves. Justin Beard of Albemarle has ridden both types of bikes, those with motors and those with pedals.

After an afternoon peddling around the trails at the N.C. Highway 24/27 trailhead, Beard was sweaty and exhausted, but there was no place he would rather have been on such a perfect day than riding through the woods and on the trails in the Uwharrie National Forest.

“I enjoy riding trail bikes and the trails here at Woodrun are excellent trails to ride,” Beard stated. “I used to ride every day, but I can’t do that any more because I have to work.”

Beard is an adventurous person and one adventure he fell in love with, besides biking, is flying. “My uncle used to have an airplane and when I was young, I would go flying with him. I liked it so I got my pilot’s license at the Stanly County airport. Once I got those, I just kept taking classes until I became a flight instructor.” Now Beard teaches others to fly at the Stanly County airport.

Back to biking, Beard said when he was in middle school, he had a dirt bike and really wanted to ride competitively racing his dirt bike. “My parents were not too fond of that idea, so I didn’t get to do that,” Beard stated. “Trail biking was the next best thing, so I made the switch.” Beard has ridden competitively with his trail bike, riding the Shenadoah Mountain 100 Backcountry Bike Race in Virginia.

At this trailhead, Beard stated, “Keyauwee is my favorite trail. It’s more challenging than the others.”

Beard also has a road bike he enjoys riding. “Two years ago I rode all the trails here.

FINISHING AN AFTERNOON RIDE – Justin Beard of Albemarle make the short trip to Woodrun Trailhead where he got in an afternoon of trail biking.

I mapped out a ride that starts here, comes out on River Road, goes down the dirt road to Yate’s Place riding up Hwy. 109 to Ophir Road and down Low Water Bridge Road. It was about 80 miles in all.

UWHARRIE BOUND

UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST Woodrun Mountain Bike Trails 1146

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YATES PLACE CAMP

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396

1156

395A

395B 396

Woodrun Bike Trail 1136

395A

Streams Roads

395

FS Land

396

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395A

State Road

395

State Highway

396

Trail Number

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24/27 TRAILHEAD

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24/27

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Campground

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Parking

1:40,000

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UWHARRIE BOUND If a person wanted to begin riding the trails but had little experience doing so, Beard said he would recommend going to a bike store first and finding the bike that suits you. Second, begin slowly, riding the easier trails. “Keyauwee is a tough trail, so I wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner,” Beard stated. “The other trails are not as tough or a person could start by riding the dirt road that goes to the Woodrun Camp site. It’s a six-mile trip there and back. They could also try the Supertree Trail, which is not a hard trail.”

Whether you are an experiences rider or just want to get in shape and like the outdoors, the biking trails at Woodrun entrance are a superb place to begin. A rider from Virginia, who wanted to remain anonymous, stated as he packed up his bike, “I’ve ridden all over the country and these are the best trails around I’ve ever ridden.”

The three trails are - *Wood Run Road: Wood Run Camp, a small open field, is located 1.4 miles down this road from the trailhead. There is a gated

and graveled road leading out from the NC 24/27 trailhead parking lot. Riding out and back is 11 miles. There is a new section of the Wood Run Trail that starts immediately after the utility corridor on the right side of the road. This new section of trail connects back to Wood Run Road near the second gate at the Wood Run Hunt Camp area. This new section of trail is approximately 0.5 mile and is blazed with blue paint. Supertree Trail: Supertree is named for a stand of experimental Loblolly Pines along the route. Both ends connect to the east side of Wood Run Road. Ride this loop clockwise for more single-track downhill. This trail is 5 miles long. Keyauwee Trail: Keyauwee is named for the last band of Native Americans to live in the Uwharrie Lakes Region. Both ends connect to the west side of Wood Run Road. Ride this loop counter clockwise for more single-track downhill. This trail is 6 miles long. *Trail information is from the USDA Forest Service web site - https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ nfsnc/recarea/?recid=49870

TRAIL ADOPTION In and effort to expand activities and extend the reach in maintaining Hiking Trails in the Uwharrie National Forest the Uwharrie Trailblazers are proposing a Trail Adoption Program. Guidelines on how the program will be organized and expectations for each person or team adopting a section follow. If you are interested email uwharrietrailblazers@gmail.com.

Guidelines: Each section will vary in length from less than 2 miles to almost 5 miles depending on accessibility from trailheads.

Ideally the longer sections will have more than one member or a team working.

Each Adopter or team is responsible for walking their adopted section a minimum of twice a year.

Each Adopter is responsible for checking trail conditions, and reporting back to the UTB Committee with problem areas, including photos and coordinates where work is needed.

The Trail Adopter is also responsible for reporting all work done, including the hours spent and travel time to the trail head.

Each Adopter is responsible for general trail maintenance such as lopping, clearing debris, raking, cleaning run-outs, picking up trash, etc.

Areas of deadfall requiring heavy cutting (chain saws, crosscut saws) should be reported back to the UTB Committee before any work is done. This is necessary so that we can plan the work and have saw certified people present to do the work.

Areas requiring extensive digging need to be reported to the UTB Committee before any work is done Please choose an area that you would be interested in and include it in your response.

Thanks Kindly for your time and consideration.

Uwharrie Trail Committee Trail Areas You may specify certain sections.

Giving more than one choice is helpful Birkhead Wilderness 5 sections total 17 miles Middle sections of the Uwharrie Trail 6 sections totaling 19 miles from High Pine Church Rd to Rt 109 including Little Long Shelter and side trails - Luther and Morris Mountain Southern section of the Uwharrie Trail 6 sections totaling 23 miles from Rt 109 to Rts 24/27 including side trail to Yates Dutchman’s Creek Trail

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Uwharrie National Forest

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Duck Banding

O

By Tammy Dunn

n a warm summer evening two young men knelt over a wire cage trying to get a count of the ducks tucked inside. The ducks had been regular visitors to this cage for several days as they sought out the corn just inside the enclosure.

In the past, the ducks could come and go easily, but this evening was different. There was no getting out, at least not without the help of these two men from the North Carolina Wildlife Commission and a friend who had tagged along for the adventure.

On a piece of property set back into the woods was a pond these birds liked to visit. It proved to be the perfect spot to capture these ducks; however, these ducks were not headed to the dinner table. They were actually taking part in scientific studies that evening. The young wood ducks were being banded and released as part of a program that helps in a number of programs. The ducks were cradled gently in agentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; arms and a specific band was placed around their legs. If the duck is then harvested dur-

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ing season, the hunter is asked to report where and when they took the banded duck. All this information is then gathered and fed into the system for use in a number of programs. (See below.)

According to NCW officials, “Bird banding data are often critical components in both waterfowl research and management. Individual marking of birds makes possible studies of dispersal and migration, behavior and social structure, harvest and survival rates, reproductive success and population growth. Reporting bands makes this data available to waterfowl managers, and is an integral part of the regulation process.”

Additionally, “The hunting of all migratory game birds (waterfowl, doves, rails, etc.) is regulated by the federal government under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Each year, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services establishes hunting season guidelines or frameworks. These include season length, bag limits, shooting hours, and the range of hunting dates. States may set their seasons within these frameworks. Although the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has ultimate authority for establishing seasons, the process is a collaborative one involving state game and fish agencies as well. For many years, the

Greg Queen

annual regulations cycle was divided into two components. The early cycle involved the setting of waterfowl seasons that begin prior to late September (September Canada goose and September teal seasons) and seasons for many webless species (doves, rails, woodcock). The late regulations cycle includes the traditional waterfowl seasons occurring after late September. Starting with the 2016-17 seasons, the process has changed and occurs much earlier. Now, regulatory decisions for all species will occur on the same schedule and seasons will be set in the spring of each year prior to the upcoming hunting seasons.

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Cody Moore

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;This collaborative process occurs primarily through the various Flyway Councils and the USFWS with input from various conservation organizations and other groups. North Carolina is part of the Atlantic Flyway and our regulatory communication is handled through the Atlantic Flyway Council and Atlantic Flyway Technical Section. The Atlantic Flyway Technical Section is comprised of biological staff from the various member states. This group works closely with biological staff from the USFWS and others reviewing population survey data (population size, harvest, survival rates, harvest rates, etc.). After review of annual and long-term datasets and formulation of harvest strategies, the Tech-

nical Section recommends hunting season guidelines to the Atlantic Flyway Council. The Council is generally comprised of agency directors (or their designees). The Council takes under consideration the recommendation of the Technical Section and may either approve, modify or disapprove them.

The Council then forwards their recommendations to the USFWS for their consideration. The Service Regulations Committee (as part of the USFWS) then formulates annual season regulations considering input from all 4 Flyway Councils. As a final step, proposed regulations are then issued and can be commented on by any agency, group, or individual before they become final.â&#x20AC;?

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Born to Fish

By Tammy Dunn

C

all it fate, destiny or just part of his genes; Tyler Bumgarner was born to fish. His father, his brother, his uncles as well as both of his grandfathers all fished — a lot. Even his mother gets in on the action occasionally. It is a love shared by all of them and Tyler has taken that love to the next level, recently earning the rank of Number One in the Kayak Bass Fishing Challenge Series.

Bumgarner is the son of Sherrill and Melanie Bumgarner and grandson of Dorothy Dot Frix Bumgarner, Caroyln Parsons and Garrett Parsons.

On the day Bumgarner arrived home from the hospital he received his first fishing rod, followed with his lifetime hunting and fishing license just one year later. Following his love for the outdoors it seems only natural that Bumgarner sought a career where he could spend much of his time outside. As a Senior Conservation Police Officer with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources based in Northumberland County along the Chesapeake Bay. Bumgarner is able to spend a lot of time outdoors and on the water.

When asked about his love for fishing during an interview with Molly Kirk for a newsletter with DWR, Bumgarner said, “What I love most about fishing is the remote and beautiful places that it allows me to explore throughout Virginia and the many other states I have been able to visit and fish. In the last several years I have taken up kayak tournament bass fishing, which has allowed me to meet and fish alongside some of the greatest fishermen in the country. I also enjoy the challenge of going to a new body of water and trying to figure out a pattern on a given day for the conditions.”

Bumgarner went on to explain to Kirk that he grew up in a fishing family, “I would always spend my spring breaks fishing with my grandpa Parsons

at Holts Cabin on Badin Lake in the Uwharrie National Forest. When I was a young boy he was the one always preparing the boat and gear to go fishing. As time went on and we both got older, I took over the role of taking him fishing. We enjoyed many early mornings on the lake watching the sunrise and nature come to life. Like any other young boy growing up in an outdoors-oriented family, I spent many days on the rivers, lakes and streams of Virginia with my dad, from casting lessons in the back yard to teaching me how to drive his bass boat and back a trailer. The basis of my fishing knowledge came from him. I know I owe so much to my dad and grandpa who always taught me to stay focused on my goals and never give up.”

Bumgarner says he “grew up fishing with my dad and family most of my life. Over the years I have fished many local bass tournaments on the Uwharrie chain of lakes and floated the Uwharrie River for smallmouth bass. On my first float on the Uwharrie River with a family friend I caught my personal best smallmouth, a quality Uwharrie fish that went 5lbs.”

Over time Bumgarner took an interest in kayak fishing, which he says actually made him a better fisherman. “The main difference between kayak fishing and regular boat style fishing is simply the amount of water you can cover on a given day. Fishing from a kayak has forced me to dissect an area of the lake and be more methodical in my approach to breaking down a body of water to find a pattern.”

Bumgarner fishes from a Vibe-Seaghost 130 kayak outfitted with a Garmin Stryker 7CV fish finder and multiple rod holders and an anchor trolley system.

His paddle of choice is a Bending Branches Angler Classic.

“In the last few years the popularity and intrigue

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UWHARRIE BOUND of kayak bass fishing caught my attention and I competed in my first official kayak tournament four years ago. This tournament was held on a body of water I had never fished before. With one day of practice I brought home a 3rd place finish out of a group of 45 talented anglers and have been hooked ever since, fishing more tournaments each year. So far I have competed in 15 tournaments this year bringing home 8 wins,â&#x20AC;? stated Bumgarner.

During this time period Bumgarner says he spent â&#x20AC;&#x153;most most of my time focusing on the Kayak Bass Fishing State Challenge Series. This series allows anglers to fish during a 21-day period each month on any

public body of water in the state under certain restrictions. This series allows anglers to fish on their own schedule allowing flexibility around work or family activities. There are also 1-3 day state and regional challenges where anglers from multiple states compete against each other. Anglers are given 600 points for each Challenge Series win that accrue towards state angler of the year points with a maximum of 1800 points for state challenges. All challenge series winners and anglers above 2000 points will advance to the Challenge Series Championship that will be held on Lake Guntersville in Alabama October 7th8th 2020. There are 1200 possible angler of the year

UWHARRIE BOUND points available at this tournament. The angler with the most points after the two-day tournament will be the Kayak Bass Fishing Challenge Series National Angler of the Year. There are approximately 1900 anglers from all across Virginia and the country who compete in the Kayak Bass Fishing Challenge Series.

I have worked hard and am fortunate to have had success and be qualified for the 2020 Challenge Series Championship and the 2021 Kayak Bass Fishing National Championship.”

In true fisherman style, Bumgarner has a favorite spot to fish but he is not giving that location up, preferring to call it Lake X, which he refers to as a small impoundment. “Every Every person I have taken there has caught their new personal best largemouth bass. My brother broke his pb from last year a 7lb 7oz bass this year with a 8lb 1oz fish that he caught from his new kayak on its maiden voyage.

On an early spring morning a few years ago my brother and I caught a 5 fish limit that went in excess of 37lbs.”

Bumgarner says he“primarily practices catch and

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release while tournament fishing.” But when he is looking “to fill the freezer I hit my local tidal river creeks and target Northern Snakeheads. They are a fierce fighter and are excellent table fare grilled or my favorite fried Snakehead nuggets.”

When Kirk asked him about his most memorable catch Bumgarner noted there had been many, “Having fished the vast majority of my life there have been many memorable fish caught. From my first bass with my dad when I was a young boy to catching my personal best bass, a 26-inch fish that weighed 11 lb., 4 oz., just a few years ago. My most memorable catch, however, was not even mine. It came this year on an early spring morning when I was fishing with my wife and 5-year-old daughter. I have been teaching her how to fish ever since she could hold a fishing rod like my dad and grandpa taught me. After fishing for half an hour with no bites, she asked that I put her favorite color Zoom Trick Worm on her hook. As I turned my attention to changing my own bait, she made a long cast. Seconds later I heard her yelling for help. I looked to

see her rod doubled over and what I knew would be her new personal best bass jump out of the water. With a little coaching and assistance she reeled in her new personal best bass, a 5 lb. lunker. Seeing her enjoying fishing as much as I do and wanting to spend time in the outdoors with her dad makes that my most memorable catch.”

When asked if he had any secrets to landing the big one, Bumgarner said, “If I had a tip it to target trophy bass it would be to use large baits. Most people who see my tackle think a bass would never eat something that big. When targeting trophy bass you have to accept the mental aspect of only getting a few bites over the course of a day of fishing. However when you do get a bite on those larger baits you are usually rewarded with an above average fish.”

While Bumgarner is gaining notoriety y for his fi fishshing expertise, he still remembers where he came from, “I owe most of my success to my family and friends who taught me how to fish when I was a young boy on the Uwharrie River and Pee Dee River chain of lakes.”

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service 620 Albemarle Road, Troy NC 27371 910-571-0656 • www.bumgarnerfunerals.com

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Uwharrie National Forest

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910-572-3474 • 4021 NC 109 • Troy NC 27317

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