Overview
The Birkhead Mountains Wilderness Trail explores 5,000 acres of North Carolina's only Piedmont wilderness in the northern section of Uwharrie National Forest. The 8-mile loop follows creek drainages through hardwood hollows with old-growth character, crosses multiple small streams, and climbs the low Birkhead ridges between them. The wilderness has a quiet, enclosed quality that belies the short drive from Greensboro or Charlotte. Elevation changes are modest, topping out around 900 feet of cumulative gain across the loop, but the terrain is consistently engaging.
No permit is required. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout the wilderness. Dogs are welcome on leash.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.5: Coleridge trailhead to Birkhead Creek. From the Coleridge Road trailhead, the trail enters the wilderness almost immediately, dropping through second-growth hardwood into the creek corridor. The first two and a half miles follow the drainage south and east, with the forest canopy closing overhead and the understory thickening. Pawpaw, spicebush, and witch hazel line the lower sections. The first creek crossings appear within the first mile.
Miles 2.5 to 5.0: The creek hollows. The heart of the wilderness is in this central section, where the trail weaves between tributaries of Birkhead Creek through forest that has not been heavily disturbed. Large tulip poplars, white oaks, and American beeches are common, some with trunk diameters that suggest old age. In April, spring beauty, trout lily, and trillium bloom in the understory. This is the best section for wildflowers and the section where the wilderness feels most isolated.
Miles 5.0 to 8.0: Ridgeline return. The final third of the loop climbs from the creek hollows onto the Birkhead ridgeline, passing through drier oak-hickory forest before descending back to the trailhead. The ridge sections offer more open canopy and occasional glimpses through the trees in winter and early spring before leaf-out.
When to Hike
March through May is peak season. Wildflowers are outstanding in April, and the creek flow is high enough to add character to the crossings without making them hazardous. Temperatures in the 50s to 70s are ideal for this terrain.
September through November offers fall color and cooler temperatures. October is particularly good, with oaks and hickories turning gold and brown. Hunting seasons begin in October; blaze orange is recommended on fall weekends.
June through August: The dense hardwood canopy keeps the creek hollows reasonably cool, but humidity is high. Mosquitoes and other insects are active. Morning starts are recommended.
December through February: Mild and hikeable. The bare canopy opens views that are impossible in summer. Wet-weather crossings can be cold.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water for this loop. Creek water is available throughout but should be filtered or treated before drinking. Waterproof trail shoes or lightweight boots help with the creek crossings. Trekking poles are useful in spring when banks can be slick.
Ticks are common from March through October. Long pants and tick repellent are worth the weight.
Trailhead Access
The trailhead is on Coleridge Road (SR-1107) in the northern section of the forest. From Asheboro, take NC-49 south to Coleridge, then south on SR-1107 to the trailhead. Cell service is limited; download an offline map before visiting.
Nearby
The Uwharrie National Recreation Trail (20.5 miles) passes through the southern portion of the forest and can be accessed from multiple points south of the wilderness. The Hannahs Creek Trail offers similar creek-hollow hiking nearby. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles before entering this wilderness area.