Basics
- Length:
- 26 miles (41 km)
- Time:
- 40 minutes
Description
At the lower end of the Uwharrie / Pee Dee Lakes region is the Grassy Island Crossing. Travelers driving the byway will notice a group of earthen masses just north of Blewett Falls Lake. These are the Grassy Islands.
This remote part of North Carolina offers access to the marshlands of the Pee Dee National Wildlife Service. Visitors will have the opportunity to view waterfowl in their habitat through an observation blind. Further along the byway, travelers will encounter recreational opportunities along the Pee Dee River and especially at Blewett Falls Lake where boat ramps and fishing access points are available.
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Ellerbe Springs (NC)
Visitors to Ellerbe Springs will be entranced by a beautiful historic building amid the hardwood trees native to North Carolina. During the 18th century, Ellerbe Springs was famous for its mineral springs which were said to have extraordinary healing powers. Nowas an Inn and Restaurant, Ellerbe Springs has powers of a different sort. Visitors now come to the resort to relax and enjoy the dining available there. Ellerbe Springs is also unique in the MurderM ystery Dinner that is offered there for the entertainment of guests.
Directions
North Ellerbe on US 220
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge (NC)
For a firsthand experience of North Carolina's swamplands and waterfowl, a stop at the Pee Dee Wildlife Refuge is worthwhile. The Pee Dee is the only inland refuge in the state and gives visitors a view of 8,000 acres of upland, river bottom, hardwood forest, and farmland. The refuge is operated by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Visitors can tour the area by automobile or take a hiking trail though a migratory bird habitat. One trail leads to a waterfowl observation blind that allows up-close viewing of bird species in the region. The refuge office and visitor center are located on US 52 three miles south of Ansonville.
Directions
The southwest section of the byway.
Rankin Museum of American Heritage (NC)
This museum offers a general collection of artifacts that give clues to both early American history and natural history. The collections featured at the Rankin Museum are varied in their original places and times. For a broad and intriguing view of history, this museum is a perfect stop.
Directions
131 Church Street, Ellerbe
Town Creek Indian Mound (NC)
At the beginning of the 20th century, archaeologists began an excavation of what is now the Town Creek Indian Mound. As North Carolina's oldest state historic site, Town Creek features a visitor center for the exploration of a past culture. The site includes a reconstructed mound and ceremonial dwellings of the past cultures of the Pee Dee Lakes Region. Visitors are able to explore these structures and view several exhibits about the culture and artifacts from the area.
Directions
Off of SR 1542 in North Carolina
Wadesboro (NC)
Settled in 1783, Wadesboro now features a historic district of significance to travelers and residents. Wadesboro is the county seat of Anson County and the largest city in proximity the byways in the lower region of the Uwharrie Lakes area. Wadesboro also features the Boggan-Hammond House Museum. This structure was one of the earliest in the area dating back to the 1780s. The historical society offers tours.
Directions
South of the byway at the intersection of US 74 and US 52.
