The Best in Tent Camping by Johnny Molloy

Author:Johnny Molloy
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: eBook ISBN: 9780897327510
Publisher: Menasha Ridge Press
Published: 2007-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

MY EXPECTATIONS were low before arriving at West Morris Mountain Campground. Most of the smaller recreation destinations of the Uwharrie National Forest had been broken-down hunt camps. I was hoping against hope for something good, and my hopes were realized on this ridgetop. The campground was in great shape. And the master path of this national forest, Uwharrie Trail, is less than a mile away from the campground. Furthermore, a side trail connects West Morris Mountain to Uwharrie Trail.

The mountains of the Uwharrie are not like those of western North Carolina, but they do offer distinct topographical relief, a milder climate, and much easier access from the Piedmont than the Appalachians to the west. Elevations generally range from 400 to 900 feet, and the crowd numbers are much lower here as well. Although lacking the height of other North Carolina mountains, this area has its beauty.

My fall tour of the Uwharries was well timed. The yellow sugar maples and red dogwoods were bursting with color, contrasting with a cobalt-blue sky. That nip in the air offered brisk relief from the long, hot summer.

The campground is set on the western shoulder of Morris Mountain. Pass a few sites with tent pads in a mix of grass and woods before entering the main campground. The main campground is strung out on a classic loop. The sites have been rehabilitated and are in good shape. A hardwood forest of maples, oaks, and dogwoods with assorted pines shades the sites; heavy vegetation screens them from one another. Site 1 is on the loop’s inside. Site 2 offers privacy. Site 3 is away from the loop. Site 5 is next to a modern vault toilet. Sites 6 and 7 are heavily shaded. Site 8 is larger than most. Sites 9 and 10 are on the outside of the loop and overlook a hollow. Sites 11, 12, and 13 will suit most campers. Site 14 is a handicapped site. A second vault toilet is near here. Bring your own drinking water.

The sites are well spaced from one another but are small to average in size, which is good for tent campers since it discourages bigger rigs. Realistically, West Morris Mountain is too primitive for the non—tent-camping set. This campground never fills.

Expect to create your own adventures here. The Morris Mountain Trail lies near the loop’s beginning. Pass around a metal gate, and begin climbing to reach Uwharrie Trail after 0.75 miles. Here Uwharrie Trail leaves right and continues forward on the old roadbed. Joe Moffitt, who grew up in the Uwharrie Mountains, built the 21-mile trail. It passes over ridges, into streambeds, and by old homesites and cemeteries. Unfortunately, loops are not possible at the northern end of the forest near West Morris Mountain. However, the 9.5-mile Dutchman’s Creek Trail loops with Uwharrie Trail in the south end of the forest.

The Birkhead Mountains Wilderness is not far from West Morris Mountain. This 5,000-acre preserve has stands of old-growth hardwoods broken by clear streams. Parts of it were settled, and you can still see remnants of homesites and even gold-mining operations.

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