Basics
- Length:
- 14 miles (22 km)
- Time:
- 30 minutes
Description
The Pee Dee River Valley is the setting for this North Carolina scenic drive. Located in the region of the Uwharrie National Forest, this byway travels by beautiful piedmont country with many recreational opportunities. Between Badin Lake and Lake Tillery, visitors will find places to stop and play along the Pee Dee River.
The Pee Dee River itself is a part of the many stories and legends in the region. The river's name actually originates from the Catawba Indian word for smart, capable, or expert. The river travels south through South Carolina and finally empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Badin (NC)
Badin was established in 1913 by French industrialist Adrian Badin, as a company town for the aluminum reduction plant he operated nearby. This plant is now owned by the Aluminum Corporation of America. The town of Badin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is noted for its unique French-inspired townhouses (called quadreplexes), which are among the earliest examples of townhouse architecture in North Carolina.
Directions
Off of NC 740
Morrow Mountain State Park (NC)
Morrow Mountain State Park was established in 1935 on land given to the state by James McKnight Morrow. The park has more than 30miles of hiking and equestrian trails open to the public.
Visit the restored residence of Dr. Francis Joseph Kron who had a medical practice here in the early 1800s. Until that time, the mountain had been called Naked Mountain because a tornado stripped the mountain bare.
There are three mountain peaks-- Sugarloaf Mountain, Mill Mountain, and Tater Top Mountain-- all of which are less than 1,050feet high and part of the Uwharrie Mountain Range. These mountains were created in a prehistoric collision between the African and North American continents. They are considered to be the oldest mountains on this continent.
From the upper parking lot, visitors can capture the panoramic view of Badin Lake to the north and Lake Tillery to the south.
Directions
Just off the byway along SR 1798.
Uwharrie National Forest (NC)
As one of four National Forests in North Carolina, the Uwharrie National Forest holds many natural treasures. Many lifelong North Carolina residents are unfamiliar with the little Uwharries. As remnants of an ancient chain of island volcanoes that were active some 600 million years ago, these peaks once exceeded 10,000 feet in elevation.
Directions
Just east of the byway over the Pee Dee River.
Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Recreational Area (NC)
The Uwharrie National Forest Badin Lake Recreational Area offers all the standard outdoor recreational activities to visitors.Several boat landings are available along Badin Lake, and visitors are welcome to try fishing, boating, camping, swimming, and picnicking along the lake. The area features Arrowhead Campgroundof 50 car/tent campsites, paved parking, a two mile perimeter loop trail, and a beautiful new bathhouse.
Directions
Along Badin Lake at the north end of the byway.
