Upper Dutchmans Creek loop - Uwharrie National Forest, NC

On July 21 I finally got around to knocking off another hike in Uwharrie National Forest, deciding to stay closer to home because of bad weather forecasts. Multiple publications mention the Dutchmans Creek loops as the best backpacking circuits in the national forest. Both the Dutchmans Creek Trail and Uwharrie National Recreation Trail begin at the Wood Run Trailhead on NC 24/27 and form a big figure 8 of approximately 23 miles. The two loops are referred to as the lower and upper Dutchman Creek loops in guides and books, with the lower beginning at Wood Run and the upper beginning at Yates Place Campground. The upper loop is 2 miles shorter but supposed to be more difficult, and that's the one I chose.

The hike from Yates Place begins with a half-mile connector to reach the Uwharrie Trail. From there it heads south skirting the tallest hills in the area. I stayed on the Uwharrie Trail past the upper Dutchmans Creek Trail junction. For the most part the Uwharrie Trail traveled through some unattractive areas including what seemed like recent logging and forest fire zones. This section is far less scenic than the northern section of the trail. There was one nice section with incredibly tall hardwoods, and also a nice campsite beside the Dutchmans Creek crossing. The creek was bone dry here, close to its origin. I've heard that's a problem in Uwharrie, the creeks dry up in the summer.

At the midpoint of the figure 8 I started the Dutchmans Creek Trail and it immediately seemed more scenic. The trail was more rugged, rockier, and traveled through forests that looked older and wilder. The trail crosses Little Island Creek 3 times, which had a small amount of water. After the 3rd crossing was the toughest, and coolest section of the hike. The trail climbs steeply above the creek through a jagged boulder field. The climb up Lick Mountain is also steep, but the hike down was downright hazardous at times. These Uwharrie Mountains will surprise you with their slopes even though almost everything is under 1,000 feet. Next the trail follows Dutchmans Creek, which finally had a little water and a lot of very smooth boulders. There isn't too much scenery on this hike, but it is a good beginner's backpacking loop provided you stay near the reliable water sources. For the mileage and location, there is a surprising amount of elevation gain. Don't underestimate these rocky hills in central NC.

Hike was 9.8 miles with 1,839 feet elevation gain in 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Hike location
https://goo.gl/maps/fJnpSrS2FeC2