Asheboro Off The Beaten Path

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Birkhead Mountains Wilderness is a federally-designated wilderness area in the northern part of Uwharrie National Forest, just outside Asheboro. The Uwharrie Mountains are believed to be the oldest in North America. Hundreds of millions of years of erosion have worn down the mountains to not much more than hills, with the highest being under 1,000 feet above sea level. The mountains are named for John Birkhead, who in the mid 18th century, acquired almost 3,000 acres in the area and so the mountains became known locally as the Birkhead Mountains. The rugged nature of the area made it a destination for deserters and Union sympathizers during the Civil War. In the wilderness area, there are about 10 miles of hiking trails in the wilderness and backcountry camping is permitted. The three main trails in the area are Robbins Branch, Hannahs Creek, and Birkhead Mountain. From any trailhead, it is possible to make a loop with the three trails (there are signs at intersections to help you navigate.

There are three parking areas to enter the park - Tot Hill Trailhead, Thornburg Trailhead, and Robbins Branch Road Trailhead. Robbins Branch and Thornburg are both off Lassiter Mill Road (SR 1107) and Tot Hill is off Tot Hill Farm Road (SR 1163). Both of these road are easily accessed from NC-49, just southwest of Asheboro near Mechanic.