Morrow Mountain is located near Albermarle in central North Carolina. The peak of Morrow Mountain is one of the highest in the Uwharrie Mountains (936 feet) and reveals picturesque views of the area. The mountain boasts the “largest known prehistoric quarry in North Carolina.” Morrow Mountain State Park offers several hiking trails (over 15 miles), camping, fishing, and horseback riding.
Fall Mountain Trail (4.1-mile loop trail)
On my first trip to Morrow Mountain, I hiked the Fall Mountain Trail. Take the park road to the end parking lot along Lake Tillery and the Yadkin River. Fall Mountain is a loop that you can start at two different points near the lot. I recommend starting the trail counterclockwise at the entrance by the boat rentals and restrooms.
Fall Mountain Trail
Fall Mountain is a moderate trail with one section of steeper incline. The path follows the river to start and is indicated by orange triangle blazes (lettered A to H). The footpath changes from dirt, to clay, to rocks and roots. In many places, the path is only wide enough for one person.
As the path turns away from the river, cross the bridge to continue on. You’ll walk through the woods while steadily going up an incline through switchbacks.
The top of Fall Mountain features rhyolite rock outcrops. The pops of white stone dot the pathway.
Fall Mountain’s peak also provides glimpses of the surrounding area through the trees.
Kron Family Cemetery
After the midway turn point, you can visit the Kron family cemetery to the right of the path. The Kron family are buried in the plot surrounded by a small stone wall. The cemetery can also be reached by parking at the Kron House site along the road. The house was sold to Dr. Francis Kron in 1839. He was one of the Southern Piedmont’s most famous doctors.
Return to the Parking Lot
After the cemetery you will cross over a larger creek. The day I was there, the creek was dry which made it easy to navigate. The trail passes over a gravel road that runs to a campsite.
On my hike I saw woodpeckers, lizards, frogs, and deer.
Fall Mountain levels out at the end of the path and runs parallel to the main road back to the parking lot.
Morrow Mountain Scenic Overlook
From Fall Mountain, we took the road up to the top of Morrow Mountain for the scenic overlook. It is an easy drive up to the parking area with one sharp turn mid-way. There is a stone wall bordering the lot to walk along for panoramic views of the area.
At the far end of the parking lot there is a lookout point. A wooden fence extends out to provide stunning sights.
The overlook also contains picnic areas, grills, restrooms, and a shelter. The summit had a few signs which provide the history of the area including information about the quarry and indigenous people.
Morrow Mountain Trail (3 miles one-way)
In addition to driving up to the Morrow Mountain summit, you can hike the mountain via multiple trails. You can start at the overlook and hike down and back; hike up the mountain starting at the strenuous Sugarloaf Mountain Trail; or do what I did and hike the Morrow Mountain Trail without Sugarloaf.
Morrow Mountain Trail connects the picnic area at the top of the mountain with the park office. The path is moderate but I would rate the last quarter mile before the overlook as strenuous due to its prolonged steep incline.
Morrow Mountain Trail from the Museum
On my second trip to the park, I chose to start at the museum because I wanted the difficult part in the middle of my hike rather than at the end coming back up to the overlook. Others choose to start at the overlook because the downward incline is hard on their knees and they want that over at the beginning. It’s up to you on which way you’d prefer.
If you are hiking on unfamiliar trails, especially ones that intersect with others, take a photo of the trail map with your phone before you start. You can refer back to the map to see a layout of the area or to figure out other trail blazes if you get lost.
Start at the park office and museum parking lot. At the end of the parking lot, facing the museum, the Morrow Mountain Trail starts to your right. This route utilizes portions of three other trails: Laurel Trail, Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, and Mountain Loop Trail which are all connected by the Morrow Mountain Trail. Morrow Mountain and Laurel are together at the start. Laurel breaks off about 0.2 miles into the route.
Trail Blazes and Signage
Follow blue triangle blazes (lettered A to E) that mark the Morrow Mountain path. Three wooden bridges help you across Sugarloaf Creek near the start.
There is good signage throughout telling you when to turn to keep on Morrow Mountain or to branch out onto other connecting trails. Most major intersections have both a post with arrows and a trail map sign with written directions.
For areas where two trails run together, there are some blazes that only indicate one of the trails so it is helpful to remember markers for more than just Morrow Mountain. For example, only showing the orange diamond blaze (Sugarloaf) when it is also the path for Morrow Mountain at that point.
The pathway follows a winding creek and hikers can utilize a narrow beam to cross over.
Autumn on the Trail
The ground was covered with leaves which made the path hard to spot but whenever I was worried that I was going off trail, I’d see a blue blaze. Tree roots abound so watch your step!
I was able to spot a couple of lizards and a crawfish on my hike.
There are also a handful of trees you must climb over to continue on. Morrow Mountain contains dozens of rhyolite rocks along the path like the ones I saw previously on Fall Mountain.
Morrow Mountain Summit
Near the top of the summit there is a small wooden bridge before you encounter stone slabs leading up to the overlook parking lot. To complete the trail, cross the parking lot and take the stairs to the mountain peak where the picnic tables are located.
From there, you can return the way you came or have someone pick you up at the overlook.
The Morrow Mtn trail looks like a beautiful hike but too strenuous for me. I continue to watch because of your nature photograpy, the helpful tips and the new and interesting places to visit in the future. Please keep informing us.