2017 marks another great year of the Uwharrie Trail celebration. What are we celebrating? We are celebrating the restoration of the original trail that spans from Troy, NC North all the way to Birkhead Wilderness in Asheboro, NC.
In the late 1960's to early 1970's A local scout leader name Joe Moffitt and his scout troop built a 40 mile trail with not much more than hand tools, and hand shake agreements with land owners. Over the years the portions on private land disappeared as the status of ownership changed. What remained was 20 miles of trail in the Uhwarrie National Forest and it became known as the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail.
For some time, volunteers, Land Trusts, Benefactors, and other interest groups have worked hard to re-establish the original trail. We have reached a point where we only have about 3 miles left to complete the link between Birkhead in the North and Uwharrie National Forest in the South.
October 12th through October 15th was a time for us to celebrate another year's accomplishments and promote awareness in a special way.
This year we had the most participants since its beginning in 2013.
An old frame. Truck or tractor?
An old burl tree. The tree has long since died, but I have been observing it for years. Photographing it every time I walk by expecting it to have fallen by now.
Home for the night at our first camp at Yates Place. 
Our destination for Camp 2. The Jumping Off Rock trail head.
Bear Activity?
Balanced limb that has fallen on a tree. go figure.
I have walked by this many times without noticing it. I have not figured that one out yet. This is really interesting how the tree has grown around the dead fall. It is right next to the trail.
Camp 2 at Jumping Off Rock trail head. This camp site is a little tight for the 50 plus hikers, but we managed quite nicely.
Not far from Poison Fork on the third day of hiking this lone grave can be found on a hill. The girl who died in 1911 was only 10 years old. This was to be the site of a church. It never materialized and this girl's grave is the only one in the would be church cemetery. 
Resting after the climb up Little Long Mountain and preparing for the next climb up King Mountain. This shelter was built as an Eagle Scout project. There are some really nice views from here. Thanks Hampton Ruth!
The summit of King Mountain the highest point on the Uwharrie Trail. This is recently restored trail that is now official.
Party at Walkers Creek Trail Head. Camp 3. The next day of walking is the final leg of the hike and we are all preparing for it with smoked chicken, beer, and festivities. 
this is a UT 40 Miler tradition. Watching the beautiful view and sunset from the hill side makes a great end to a great day of hiking.
The last day of hiking the 10.6 mile leg had some road walking. I took some photos along the way to alleviate the bummer of road walking. We have plans and hopes to close that final 3 mile gap. The dream is still alive and well.
