Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex
Unleash your inner adventurer and conquer the Uwharrie National Forest's epic off-road trails! With a diverse network of over 15 miles of trails catering to all skill levels, nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Uwharrie. Plus, with numerous campgrounds nearby and over 50,000 miles of forest to explore, your off-road escape awaits.
Ready to plan your off-road adventure? The Uwharrie National Forest awaits!
Open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week from April 1 to December 15.
Perfect for beginners and families! These trails offer smooth terrain with minimal obstacles, ideal for a relaxing off-road experience.
Get ready for some fun! These trails provide a good balance of challenging and manageable sections. Expect moderate inclines and possibly some water crossings.
Calling all experienced riders! These trails offer a significant challenge with steeper inclines, rocky terrain, and technical obstacles. Prepare for an exciting adventure!
Conquer the toughest terrain! Only attempt these trails if you're a highly skilled off-roader with the appropriate vehicle. Expect demanding climbs, obstacles, and potentially hazardous conditions.
$5 for a day pass and $30 for an annual pass. Get Yours
Easy / 1.3 Miles / TR 89
Perfect for beginners! The Wolf Den Trail offers a relaxing ride through the Uwharrie with scenic views. This easy trail features optional challenges for those looking to test their skills, with opportunities to bypass tougher sections. Campers will appreciate the large campsite along the route. Ideal for a solo adventure or connecting Slab Pile to Dutch John Trail.
Easy / 1.6 Miles / TR 69
New Lakeview Trail! This easy, 1.6-mile trail boasts scenic Badin Lake views and caters to all skill levels. Enjoy a relaxing ride or test your skills on the 3 optional challenge routes (1 moderate, 2 difficult) featuring exciting rock crawls. Start your adventure from Art Lilley Campground (dispersed camping nearby, but not on trail).
Moderate / 2.8 Miles / TR 96
Unwind at Falls Dam! Nestled near the Uwharrie National Forest OHV area, Falls Dam offers scenic views and easy access to a network of off-road trails for all skill levels. Enjoy fall foliage during autumn rides! This location is perfect for solo adventurers or families, with nearby campgrounds like Badin Lake offering post-trail relaxation.
Moderate / 2.8 Miles / TR 92
Practice Makes Perfect on Rocky Mountain Loop! This versatile trail caters to all skill levels, offering mandatory obstacles for beginners and challenging options for experienced riders. Enjoy scenic views and diverse forest while honing your off-roading skills. Ideal for dispersed camping with ample space for multiple vehicles.
Moderate / 1.2 Miles / TR 79
Scenic Escape: Slab Pile Trail - Unwind on this beginner-friendly trail perfect for stock vehicles. Explore the lush Uwharrie National Forest with ease and capture a photo op at Poser Rock. Great for fall foliage viewing, especially suitable for 2WD or AWD vehicles.
Moderate / 1.1 Miles / TR 93
Challenge Awaits on Saw Mill Trail! Similar to Wolf Den, this 1-mile trail packs a punch with diverse terrain and scenic views. Perfect for intermediate riders or a quick exploration, Sawmill connects to other Uwharrie trails for extended adventures.
Difficult / 3.5 Miles / TR 91
Ultimate Off-Road Challenge! This "Black Diamond" Jeep Badge of Honor trail pushes your rig and skills to the limit with steep, rocky climbs and a notorious multi-line obstacle. Not for the faint of heart (or stock vehicles). Perfect for adrenaline junkies seeking an epic Uwharrie adventure.
Difficult / 2.1 Miles / TR 90
Mild Adventure with a Twist! This mostly easy trail offers scenic views and a taste of off-roading fun. However, wet weather can transform it into a challenging climb. Enjoy dispersed camping and spooky autumn vibes (perfect for reading those Uwharrie Ghost Tales!). Fuel up and grab a book at the Eldorado Outpost before your ride.
Extremely Difficult / 2.1 Miles / TR 390
Conquering the Toughest Terrain! This "Black Diamond" trail is for expert riders only. Expect steep climbs, off-camber sections, and challenging obstacles. Beautiful views reward those who complete the trail. Remember, safety first: tread lightly and ride with a buddy.
OHV / Events / Camping
Escape to nature at The Grand Overland District! This private property offers a scenic escape along the Uwharrie River, perfect for adventure seekers and relaxation alike. Enjoy guided 4x4 tours, challenge yourself with OHV training, or plan a memorable group gathering. Whether it's a family reunion, a corporate retreat, or a romantic wedding, The Grand Overland District provides stunning scenery, delicious catered meals, and exciting activities to create lasting memories.
Visit The Grand Overland DistrictPrivate & Commercial Training
Train like the pros at OEX's North Carolina location. Choose from purpose-built training grounds or explore diverse trails within the Uwharrie National Forest. OEX offers a variety of courses for military, industrial, and recreational clients, with a dedicated focus on minimizing environmental impact. Learn on a wide range of vehicles, including those used by special forces, and maximize your training time with on-site facilities and minimal distractions.
Visit OEX Overland ExpertsATV / Motocross
Thrill Seekers Welcome at Black Ankle Raceway! Located in Star, North Carolina, Black Ankle Raceway offers adrenaline-pumping action for ATV enthusiasts. Race or practice on their expertly designed flat track and MX track, both built by racers, for racers!
Visit Black Ankle RacewayWhere to get your trail pass:
Be Prepared for Adventure!
For your safety and enjoyment, the Uwharrie National Forest encourages riders to:
You are responsible for your vehicle on the trails. Enjoy your ride and plan for a safe return!
Remember: Unlicensed vehicles must be trailered to the trailhead. Horseback riding is generally not allowed on these trails.
