Top Adventures in Franklin
Hike the Lake Shore Trail at Lake Norman
From the Cove Picnic area in Lake Norman State Park, you immediately begin hiking along the lakeshore. If you don't want to take the full lake loop, use Short Turn Trail for a 2.5 mile hike.
This trail makes for a moderate hike or solid trail run ...
5 miles
75 ft gain
Visit Murray's Mill
The Murray's Mill Historic District features Murray's Mill (constructed in 1913) with its 28 ft. waterwheel, a general store constructed in the 1890's, Wheathouse Exhibit gallery, and the John Murray House.
Free and open to the public to visit, t...
Drive the Uwharrie Scenic Road
This peaceful drive begins at the intersection of US 64 & NC 49 in Asheboro, North Carolina. Follow NC 49 along the the Carolina slate belt southwest toward Concord. Along this 50 mile drive, you'll take in amazing views of the Uwharrie Nation...
Backpack the Dutchman's Creek Trail, Uwharrie NF
This hike starts with mellow terrain changes allowing you to get a feel for the trail. For the first 5 miles you will have one or two steep inclines that take a toll on the calf muscles. The remaining 6 miles include a more difficult terrain inclu...
11 miles
512 ft gain
Hike The Hollow Rock Trail at Rocky Face Mountain
From the parking lot, head northwest to find the trailhead for Buzzard Roost Loop. Follow that and stay left to meet up with the Hollow Rock Trail. This is a moderate hike with great views of the park. Perfect for a quick escape with the family.
F...
2.4 miles
514 ft gain
Hike the Jomeokee Trail at Pilot Mountain SP
This unique peak, also known as the Big Pinnacle, is in Pilot Mountain State Park. From the main parking area on top of the mountain on Pilot Knob Park Road, you can first view the Big Pinnacle from the overlook attached to the parking lot. The ...
0.8 miles
100 ft gain
Rock Climb at Pilot Mountain SP
Wide assortment of climbing on some of the best granite in the world. The grades range from 5.5 to 5.13 so anyone could find their level. It is a very top rope friendly climbing area. All thanks to the Carolina Climbers Coalition who regularly che...
Hike and Rock Climb Moore's Knob
Looking for a shorter hike with stunning views, or a place to rappel with a backdrop like no other on the East Coast? Look no further than Moore's Knob, located within Hanging Rock State Park. Just North of Winston-Salem, Moore's Knob is one of th...
Hike the Sauratown Trail
You can through-hike or section hike. I did it from Tory's Den to the Corridor Trail Parking Lot in about 10 hours. Check the Sauratown Trail Association's website before traveling. It is a bridle and hiking trail so the hiking is fairly easy. A...
22 miles
800 ft gain
Hike to Hanging Rock
Park in the main parking lot for Hanging Rock State Park, and the trailhead can easily be found in the upper parking lot (furthest away from the main building), and is clearly marked. The trail starts off by descending, but don't be fooled, it qui...
2.6 miles
600 ft gain
Hanging Rock Trail
Beautiful hike through forest up to an elevation of 2000+ feet. The park itself is 7,869 acres with over 18 miles of trails. This trail is one of them. The Hanging Rock Trail is 1.3 miles one way. It included a moderate incline up well kept dirt a...
2.6 miles
780 ft gain
Hike to Lower Cascade Falls
A beautiful hike through the forest of Hanging Rock State Park. Trail meanders through pines and hardwoods filled with boulders, mountain laurel, scenic views, and the occasional deer or turkey. The trail begins as gravel and dirt then turns into ...
1.6 miles
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Troy, North Carolina
King's Mountain Point Picnic Pavilion (Nc)
Overview King's Mountain Point Day Use Area is located on the shores of Badin Lake north of Troy, NC in Montgomery County. The biggest fishing hole in the Uwharrie National Forest is Badin Lake. T... -
New London, North Carolina
Badin Lake Group Camp
Overview Badin Lake Group Camp offers a fun, relaxing place for clubs, families and other groups to rest and play in the Uwharrie National Forest of central North Carolina. The recreation area is a... -
Eldorado, North Carolina
Badin Lake Campground
Overview Badin Lake Campground borders the lakeshore and sits within a shaded forest, offering a year-round retreat for swimmers, boaters and anglers in central North Carolina's Uwharrie National F... -
Eldorado, North Carolina
Arrowhead Campground
Overview Arrowhead Campground lies in the Badin Lake Recreation Area, a hub for outdoor activities in central North Carolina's Uwharrie National Forest. The variety of sites in the campground offer... -
Troy, North Carolina
Canebrake Horse Camp
Overview Canebrake Horse Camp lies in the Badin Lake Recreation Area, a hub for outdoor activities in central North Carolina's Uwharrie National Forest. The facility is a scenic and restful overnig...
