Exploring the Uwharrie National Forest with Don Childrey

This week we talk with Don Childrey, author of the "Uwharrie Lakes Region Trail Guide." Don's guide first came out in 1996, a second edition followed in 2014. The updated version covers more than 215 miles of trail and 113 named trails, an offers 95-multi-trail trips. Don began exploring the Uwharries at an early age, as a Boy Scout growing up in nearby Burlington. Work as a bridge engineer with the N.C. Department of Transportation led him to work in Troy, on the southeast side of the forest, where he lived during the 5 years he spent creating the guide. Don shares his knowledge of the trail and some if its best places to explore in this episode.
In Trail News this week we look at seasonal closings in the National forests of western North Carolina to protect nesting peregrine falcons, plus the free-for-all unleashed by the latest stimulus package on the images of Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl.

• For peregrine related closings in the Pisgah National Forest, go here.
• For peregrine related closings in the Nantahala National Forest, go here.

In the Don Childrey interview:

• Learn more about Don and his book, "Uwharrie Lakes Region Trail Guide, here
• Don mentions the new Walker Creek trailhead on the Uwharrie Recreation Trail; learn more about it here.
• Learn more about the Uwharrie National Forest here.
• Don mentioned the Uwharrie Trailblazers, the local trail club responsible for much of the trail maintenance and new trail construction in the Uwharries. Find out more about them here.'
• The Three Rivers Land Trust plays a key role in helping to secure land for the trail as well as to preserve land throughout the region. Learn about their mission here.
• Oblique mention was made to the Uwharrie's own Big Foot.  This 2014 article on Our State magazine looks into the local Sasquatch legend.