TL;DR
Uwharrie National Forest's Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex has about 9 trails over 17 miles, rated easy to extremely difficult. Daniel and Dickey Bell trails are the hardest, unsuited to stock 4WDs or beginners. A Forest Service OHV pass is required.
Recommended
Recommended for this trail
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Best for getting unstuck from sand, mud or snow without another vehicle.
- Nylon recovery boards that give spinning tires grip in sand, mud or snow.
- Double as a shovel to clear sand from in front of the tires.
Best for a complete strap, shackle and glove kit in one bag.
- Straps, shackles, gloves, damper and a recovery bag in one kit.
- Covers most vehicle-to-vehicle recoveries without buying parts separately.
Quick answers
- Need a 4WD, or will AWD/2WD do?
- Yes — 4WD with low range is what the research basis for this place calls for (OHV with a valid Forest Service OHV pass; stock 4WD fine on easier-rated trails; built rig recommended for Daniel/Dickey Bell (extremely difficult)).
- Trailers/RVs OK?
- Not confirmed — check with USDA Forest Service, National Forests in North Carolina (Uwharrie National Forest) before you go.
- Dogs allowed?
- Not confirmed — check with USDA Forest Service, National Forests in North Carolina (Uwharrie National Forest) before you go.
- Campfires allowed?
- Not confirmed — check with USDA Forest Service, National Forests in North Carolina (Uwharrie National Forest) before you go. Fire restrictions change with drought and season — confirm the current status with USDA Forest Service, National Forests in North Carolina (Uwharrie National Forest) before you light one.
- Permit or pass needed?
- Required — Every OHV needs a valid Forest Service OHV pass, currently (see the official page for current requirements: link below).Official page
- Suggested air-down range?
- Check conditions — no official air-down range is on file for this place; ask at the entrance station or land-manager office.
- Seasonal closures?
- Outside the April-December seasonal pass window, riding is less common and trail conditions are wetter and colder.
- Cell coverage?
- Patchy in parts of the forest Don’t rely on it — carry a satellite messenger or PLB.
About this place
About Uwharrie National Forest
The Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex is the off-road heart of Uwharrie National Forest in central North Carolina, offering roughly 9 trails covering about 17 miles near Troy. It's one of the more accessible OHV destinations in the Southeast for both stock and heavily built vehicles.
Trails are individually rated from easy to extremely difficult and marked with color or shape blazes, so riders can pick a route matched to their vehicle before heading out from staging areas like Cotton Place.
The terrain mixes steep, chunky climbs, deep ruts, seasonal mud pits and a few shallow stream crossings, giving the complex real variety within a relatively compact, well-signed trail system.
Why you need 4WD at Uwharrie National Forest
Daniel Trail, at 2.1 miles and blazed with orange diamonds, is rated extremely difficult, and along with Dickey Bell Trail, is explicitly flagged by the Forest Service as unsuited to ATVs, dirt bikes, stock 4WDs or beginners.
The Forest Service names all 9 trails: Daniel (TR390), Dickey Bell (TR91), Dutch John (TR90), Falls Dam (TR96), Rocky Mountain Loop (TR92), Sawmill (TR93), Slab Pile (TR79), Wolf Den (TR79) and Lakeview (TRBL69). Only Daniel and Dickey Bell carry the extremely-difficult warning — the rest run easy to moderate, so the difficulty here comes down almost entirely to which specific trail you pick rather than the complex as a whole.
How hard is it?
Level of difficulty
USFS rates trails from easy to extremely difficult; Daniel and Dickey Bell trails are explicitly called out as extremely difficult and unsuited to stock vehicles or beginners, while other trails in the complex are far more approachable, so the score reflects the network's harder end.
Gear this band commonly needs
- 4WD with low range (required)
- A/T or M/T tires, 31"+ recommended
- Rated recovery points front & rear
- Basic recovery kit (strap, shackles)
Hazards flagged for Uwharrie National Forest
Not flagged in this place's research — see the pros/cons and rules below for the full detail.
Gear list is our generic trail-rating rubric for this band, not place-specific. Hazards are pulled from this place's own visitor reports and rules, only when explicitly mentioned.
Can My Rig Do It?
Save your rig (tire size & lift height) to see a quick comparison against what Uwharrie National Forest commonly needs.
General guidance only — this compares your saved tire size and lift height against the band's typical gear list, not your actual driving experience, tread pattern, or current trail conditions. It is not a go/no-go decision.
What visitors say
Pros and cons, according to visitors
What visitors love
- Visitors call it a great time for off-roading, appreciating the mix of trail difficulty available within one forest complex source
- Riders on their first off-road outing report the trail system as a good, well-maintained introduction to OHV riding source
- The mud hole sections are called out by reviewers as a genuinely fun, popular feature of the trail system rather than just an obstacle to avoid source
What visitors warn about
- Some trails marked easy are reported by riders as actually more difficult than the rating suggested source
- Riders note the available trail maps aren't great, making navigation between the complex's trails harder than expected source
- Reviewers warn the clay-based trail surface gets genuinely dicey when wet, changing the character of the whole complex after rain source
Plan your trip
What it's like in the dry, wet and cold seasons
Dry season
April through October
The main OHV season, lining up with the standard seasonal pass window. Drier weather makes the clay-heavy trail surfaces more predictable.
Wet season
year-round, more in winter/spring
Riders report the clay-based trails get notably more slippery and 'dicey' when wet, on top of the seasonal mud pits already built into several routes.
Cold season
November-March
Outside the April-December seasonal pass period, riding is less common and conditions run wetter and colder.
Best time to go
April through October, both for the driest trail conditions and to align with the standard seasonal OHV pass period.
Season & Access
Typical open window
April through October, both for the driest trail conditions and to align with the standard seasonal OHV pass period.
Managing agency
USDA Forest Service, National Forests in North Carolina (Uwharrie National Forest)
Official map / permit page
USDA Forest Service, National Forests in North Carolina (Uwharrie National Forest) official page
Conditions change: confirm with the land manager before you go.
Our recommendations
- Buy your OHV pass before riding — around $5/day or $30 for the season — and carry it with you
- Start on easier-rated trails before attempting Daniel or Dickey Bell
- Bring a printed or downloaded map in advance; on-site signage is reported as unreliable
- Expect some 'easy'-marked trails to feel harder than the label suggests
- Avoid the extremely difficult trails in stock 4WDs, ATVs, UTVs or dirt bikes — they're not recommended for those vehicles
- Check conditions after rain; the clay surface gets noticeably more slippery when wet
- Wear a helmet and eye protection if riding an ATV or dirt bike, as required
Amenities
Camping
Developed and dispersed camping available near the Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex
Toilets
Available at staging areas including Cotton Place
Drinking water
Not guaranteed at all staging areas; check current facilities before relying on it
Fuel on site
None; fuel up in Troy or nearby towns before arriving
Cell coverage
Patchy in parts of the forest
Air-up
Not confirmed — check with the land manager before you go.
Also good to know
Operators must be over age 8; riders under 16 must be supervised; ATV/dirt bike riders must wear a helmet and eye protection
Recommended
Air down, air up
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Best for fast inflation of larger off-road tires.
- Heavy-duty 12V off-road compressor.
- Built for inflating larger off-road tires quickly.
Best for budget-friendly airing down before sand or rock.
- Adjustable 4-pack of deflators, 10–30 PSI.
- Screw on, set the pressure, and they stop automatically.
Getting there
Where is Uwharrie National Forest?
Topo tiles: USGS The National Map. Fallback layer: © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Cotton Place OHV staging area, one of the main entry points into the Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex (35.4372, -80.0489) · Nearest town: Troy, NC
How to get there
The Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex is accessed via several staging areas within Uwharrie National Forest, with Cotton Place among the most-used entry points, about 12 miles from Troy. The Uwharrie National Forest office in Troy handles OHV passes and current trail information; passes can also often be purchased at trailhead kiosks.
Supplies & services
Gas, groceries, mechanics and towing
Nearest shops and gas stations
Gas station
- Exxon7.5 mi
2697 State Hwy 49, Denton, NC 27239
Google Maps Apple Maps - Shell8.8 mi
1973 E Main St, Albemarle, NC 28001
Google Maps Apple Maps - bp8.8 mi
1904 US-52, Albemarle, NC 28001
Google Maps Apple Maps
Groceries
- Food Lion8.8 mi
2000 US-52, Albemarle, NC 28001
Google Maps Apple Maps - South East Asia Market, LLC8.8 mi
1947 E Main St, Albemarle, NC 28001
Google Maps Apple Maps - bp8.9 mi
4560 NC-24, Mt Gilead, NC 27306
Google Maps Apple Maps
Closest mechanics, towing and tire shops
Mechanic
- Modern Automotive Repair8.2 mi
40960 Hearne Rd, New London, NC 28127
Google Maps Apple Maps - The Mechanics Tire & Auto8.6 mi
315 NC-740, Albemarle, NC 28001
Google Maps Apple Maps - Albemarle CDJR8.7 mi
200 NC-740, Albemarle, NC 28001
Google Maps Apple Maps
Towing / recovery
- Collins Auto Paint & Body Towing and Hydraulics7.2 mi
36312 Palestine Rd, Albemarle, NC 28001
Google Maps Apple Maps - East Albemarle Towing8.7 mi
36802 Auto Dr, New London, NC 28127
Google Maps Apple Maps - Eazy E Towing And Recovery8.9 mi
1708 US-52, Albemarle, NC 28001
Google Maps Apple Maps
Tire shop
- Bobbie's Tire & Muffler8.8 mi
7213 State Hwy 49, Denton, NC 27239
Google Maps Apple Maps - Los Primos Tires9.1 mi
1624 E Main St, Albemarle, NC 28001
Google Maps Apple Maps - Freeman's Tire & Wheel9.3 mi
1345 E Main St, Albemarle, NC 28001
Google Maps Apple Maps
Distances are straight-line miles from the map pin; the drive is longer. Listings come from Google Maps business data (checked September 2026); emails are shown only where the business publishes one on its own website. Hours change, so call ahead, especially off-season.
Stay safe
Emergency services
In an emergency, call 911 first
Police, fire, ambulance and search & rescue. The contacts below are a courtesy and can change.
Nearest hospital
FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital
520 Allen St, Troy, NC 27371
Nearest hospital, in Troy
Google Maps Apple MapsSheriff
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
Covers the Badin Lake/Uwharrie OHV area
Land manager
Uwharrie National Forest Office
789 Biscoe Rd, Troy, NC 27371
Manages the Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex and issues OHV passes
Google Maps Apple MapsBefore you lose signal
Cell coverage is patchy in parts of the forest; carry a way to signal for help on the extremely difficult trails, especially after rain when trails are reported to become more hazardous.
Good to know
Rules and permits
Every OHV needs a valid Forest Service OHV pass — currently around $5 per day or $30 for the season, running April through December — and riders must carry the pass with them on the trail. ATV and dirt bike riders must wear a helmet and eye protection, operators must be over age 8, and riders under 16 must be supervised. Stay on designated, blazed trails, and note that Daniel and Dickey Bell trails are rated extremely difficult and are not recommended for ATVs, dirt bikes, stock 4WDs or beginners.
Permit: Every OHV needs a valid Forest Service OHV pass, currently $5 per day or $30 for the season (April through December); riders must carry the pass with them on the trails. (official page)
- Every OHV needs a valid Forest Service OHV pass ($5/day or $30/season, April-December), carried with you on the trail
- ATV/dirt bike riders must wear a helmet and eye protection
- Operators must be over age 8; riders under 16 must be supervised
- Stay on designated trails
- Daniel and Dickey Bell trails are extremely difficult and not advised for ATVs, dirt bikes, stock 4WDs or beginners
Gear for this trip
A first recovery kit for any 4WD
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Purchases through these links help keep this site running and up to date. Learn more
Best for airing all four tires down to a set pressure at once.
- Automatic deflators preset between 6 and 30 PSI.
- Air all four tires down at once, then stop at the set pressure.
Best for airing back up before you hit pavement.
- Portable 12V compressor rated to 150 PSI.
- Sized for truck and SUV tires.
Best for plugging a tread puncture on the trail.
- Reamer-and-plugger kit for tread punctures.
- Lets you plug a tire on the trail instead of changing it.
Best for rated connection points for straps and ropes.
- 3/4 in D-ring shackles, 41,850 lb listed break strength (2-pack).
- Connect straps to rated recovery points.
We research products from manufacturer specs and owner feedback; we don't test them ourselves. How we choose.
Straight answers
Uwharrie National Forest FAQ
Do you need a permit to ride OHVs in Uwharrie National Forest?
Yes — every OHV needs a valid Forest Service OHV pass, currently around $5 per day or $30 for the April-through-December season, and you must carry it with you on the trail.
What is the hardest trail in Uwharrie National Forest?
Daniel Trail, a 2.1-mile route blazed with orange diamonds, is rated extremely difficult, alongside Dickey Bell Trail. Both are explicitly not recommended for ATVs, dirt bikes, stock 4WDs or beginners.
How many OHV trails are in Uwharrie National Forest?
The Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex has roughly 9 trails covering about 17 miles, rated from easy to extremely difficult.
Is Uwharrie National Forest good for beginners?
Parts of it are — the complex's easier-rated trails suit stock high-clearance vehicles and newer riders, while Daniel and Dickey Bell trails are reserved for experienced drivers in built rigs.
What are the age rules for OHV riding in Uwharrie?
Operators must be over age 8, and riders under 16 must be supervised. ATV and dirt bike riders are also required to wear a helmet and eye protection.
Are the Uwharrie trails hard when it rains?
Yes — riders report the clay-based trail surface gets noticeably more slippery and difficult after rain, on top of the seasonal mud pits already built into several trails.
What are the names of the Uwharrie OHV trails?
The Forest Service lists 9 named trails in the Badin Lake complex: Daniel, Dickey Bell, Dutch John, Falls Dam, Rocky Mountain Loop, Sawmill, Slab Pile, Wolf Den and Lakeview. Only Daniel and Dickey Bell are rated extremely difficult; the rest run easy to moderate.
Sources
Researched from official land-manager, county and hospital sites plus published visitor reports. We have not driven every trail ourselves. See how we research.
- USDA Forest Service — Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex — Managing agency, trail ratings, permit fees, office contact
- USDA Forest Service — Daniel OHV Trail — Daniel Trail difficulty rating, length, vehicle-type warning
- USDA Forest Service — Badin Lake OHV Trail Complex (trail list) — Full list of the complex's 9 named trails and codes
- Montgomery County, NC — Sheriff's Office — Sheriff's office phone number
- FirstHealth — Montgomery Memorial Hospital — Nearest hospital name, address and phone number
- Visitor reports (TripAdvisor, AllTrails, Land Cruiser Forum), summarized — Pros/cons paraphrased from real visitor and rider reports
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