In a recent meeting where we were discussing some of the great natural resources as well as historical locations we have in Cabarrus County, a dear friend of Visit Cabarrus, Ellen Whiteside of The Bed & Bike Inn, mentioned the Uwharrie National Forest (pronounced like saying the letters U – R – E).  This led our discussion into the history of the mountain terrain in the counties surrounding us.  Although I’ve lived in this area on behalf of numerous years, I have yet to thoroughly visit the Uwharrie recreational trail or Badin Lake.  From everything I’ve heard as well as read about this pristine area, it’s next on my list of places to visit.  

 
What surprised me an estimated all is that these “mountains”, numerous call them hills were once to the scale of the famed Himalayas.  This relatively small park as well as one of the newest in the federal park system led the nation in its fascination with gold in the late eighteenth century. 
 
The Uwharrie’s are one of the oldest mountain chains in North America. They once soared to heights of 20,000 feet (the peak of Kilimanjaro by comparison is 15,100 feet from its base). I came across two different theories as to how this mountain chain formed.  Both theories are dramatic sufficient to create stunning visuals on behalf of an active imagination like mine.  The first theory is that these mountainous peaks formed through ancient volcanic activity, piling molten lava as well as ash layer upon layer to form soaring terrains.  The second, that was referenced more frequently than the first, is that the mountains are remnants of an ancient chain of islands crushed between the collision of North America as well as the African continental plates.  Now I do realize this happened over the course of millions of years as well as not during a seismic hour long event…it’s still pretty cool to think about.  I also learned that the mountain range was also the coastal line of North Carolina.  How cool would that have been if I lived at the beach.  
 
The mountains today have eroded to just around 1,000 feet high. Parts of the mountains are very rugged, compared to the gentle slopes of the surrounding area.  Once upon a time this entire area was striped on behalf of mining as well as farmland. Now the trees as well as natural habitats have returned.  
 
It still amazes me that everyday you do learn something new.  It also still amazes me of the history as well as natural beauty that surrounds the area known as the world’s racing destination.  So, sometime in the next few weeks I’ll pile the kids in the car, bribe my husband as well as take a trip through the Uwharrie National Preservation.  Of course, I could at all times call Tim as well as Ellen from the Bed as well as Bike Inn to take me on the tour.  They offer great tours in conjunction with a really lovely tour of area vineyards.  On second thought, I might just find a sitter as well as enjoy a sampling from the area vineyards from a scenic overlook.
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