Randolph County sits just about as in the middle of North Carolina as you can get. National Parks, rivers, lakes, and outdoor fun radiate from the county seat of Asheboro. The only trouble is deciding whether you want to trek by land, paddle by water, or take to the skies. We’re here to help — read on for 11 of our favorite outdoor adventures in the Heart of North Carolina.
When the weather warms, the Uwharrie National Forest becomes a seasonal hub for birds. photograph by KateHikesNC/Kate Mitchell
The Piedmont runs wild in Randolph County, with Uwharrie National Forest’s more than 50,000 acres uniting Randolph with the neighboring Montgomery and Davidson counties. In addition to hiking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, and swimming, you can have the birding adventure of your dreams.
More than 200 bird species have been documented in the forest, from stunners like yellow-throated vireos, belted kingfishers, and summer and scarlet tanagers to an array of warblers, including prairie, pine, magnolia, hooded, black-and-white, and yellow-rumped. Grab your picnic lunch, binoculars, and set out on one of the park’s four hiking trails to see what you can find.
Visit the historic dam at Caraway Creek Preserve. Photography courtesy of HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA VISITORS BUREAU
Jim Plant, an early advocate for Randolph’s 167-acre Caraway Creek Preserve, understands that some of the best treasures on earth grow wild in North Carolina. “The diversity of spring ephemeral wildflowers here is unmatched in the area,” he says. “The same could be said for the many tree species found there, including a state champion and state co-champion,” he says in reference to trees the largest of their species.
Caraway Creek also has a 240-foot historic check dam and pervasive evidence of Indigenous American, colonial, and early American presence. “Trails follow Caraway Creek,” Plant says. “They meander through the adjacent forest ascending and descending through different habitats.”
Lace up your shoes and explore the network of hiking trails surrounding the zoo. Photography courtesy of North Carolina Zoo
Sure, you can attend a giraffe feeding or watch a sleepy lion paw at the air, but insiders know that one of the North Carolina Zoo’s best kept secrets is its five distinct trails that meander through hardwood forests, past eye-opening rock formations, and over trickling creeks to a covered bridge and to the top of the nearly thousand-foot Purgatory Mountain.
The zoo welcomes hikers from April to October, and leashed dogs can visit some trails. Check their website to plan the best trail for you.
Bike, stroll, or walk your dog along the Creekside Park greenway. Photography courtesy of HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA VISITORS BUREAU
In 1979, Archdale residents Bill and Elizabeth Aldridge recognized that the land at Creekside Park could be a great place for everyone to enjoy. Today, it’s open to the public, with an 18-hole disc golf course, dog park, walking trails, and more. While there are plans to create more than 34 miles of walking trails at the park, there are currently three miles of nearby greenway for you to explore.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, you can shop for locally made preserves, jams, spreads, and more from the Asheboro Farmers Market. Photography courtesy of HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA VISITORS BUREAU
The Asheboro and Millstone Creek farmers markets offer some of the best homegrown delights Randolph County has to offer. Smell the fresh-baked breads and cookies along with local, in-season produce like apples and peaches just plucked from orchard trees. The markets are a great place to prepare a spur-of-the-moment picnic.
Built in 1911, the Pisgah Covered Bridge offers a shady spot to relax by the water in the Uwharrie National Forest. Photography courtesy of HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA VISITORS BUREAU
You won’t regret picnicking at Uwharrie National Forest, the zoo, or Creekside Park, but settling under the Pisgah Covered Bridge also makes for one whimsical afternoon. One of two original covered bridges remaining in North Carolina, the more than century-old structure spans the West Fork Branch of the Little River.
On the quarter mile wander to the covered bridge from where you’ll park your car, you’ll pass a baptismal pool, cross gentle footbridges, and walk under the boughs of hardwood trees that filter the light, dappling the ground underfoot.
Spring is a beautiful time to explore Randolph County’s stunning landscapes! With comfortable temperatures, it’s perfect for outdoor adventures. As you get ready for your visit, let the beauty of our area inspire you with vibrant gardens and serene parks.
Cast your line in Randleman Lake and exercise patience as you wait for big bass to nibble. Photography courtesy of HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA VISITORS BUREAU
“Great aquatic adventures await you in Randolph County!” says Mary Joan Pugh, Randolph County trail coordinator, who’s experienced them all. “Whatever outdoor experience you choose, be prepared to enjoy our county’s natural and scenic waters and have fun with your family and friends.”
Randolph County has plenty of places to set sail, but Lake Lucas and Ramseur Lake have the biggest expanse around to enjoy a day on the water. “Lucas and Ramseur offer calm water to explore, take in the scenery, and look for aquatic birds like herons, ducks, and even bald eagles,” Pugh says. Both lakes have boat rentals available, as well as great places for picnicking, swimming, and fishing.
Some of us enjoy exploring on foot, while others are more the seafaring type. If you can’t decide, head to the Randleman section of the Deep River State Trail, a 1.5-mile stretch of the Deep River. Running parallel to the river, a paved path lets you stroll alongside your paddle buddy or just enjoy a nice walk by a river. Another local-favorite section of the Deep River State Trail is the Franklinville Rail Trail’s 1.75-mile walk, which is now connected to the .75-mile Ramseur trail by a stunning footbridge.
If you really want to hook The Big One, Randleman Lake holds the reputation as being one of the best big bass lakes in the whole state. Grab your lures and bait and bring a little bit of luck, too. You could also catch bluegill and channel catfish.
From The North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame, you can watch planes take off and land at the Asheboro Regional Airport next door. Photography courtesy of HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA VISITORS BUREAU
The North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame has plenty of history for aeronauts and their passengers, as well as for people who just like to watch the skies. In the 20,000-square-foot hangar near the Asheboro Regional Airport, you’ll find rotating exhibits of military and civilian aircraft, models, and more. Picnickers are welcome to watch the planes take off and land from the tables on the patio.
Soar through Randolph County’s scenic wilderness on Richland Creek Zipline Canopy Tour’s extensive course. Photography courtesy of HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA VISITORS BUREAU
At Randolph County’s Richland Creek Zipline Canopy Tour and Kersey Valley Zipline, you and your friends can soar above the treetops. Take in a bird’s eye view of nature as you move between Richland Creek’s 14 ziplines, ropes course, obstacles, and tour of Mendenhall Waterfalls.
Kersey Valley attractions founder Tony Wohlgemuth recommends pairing the high-flying fun with down-to-earth activities: “Folks also love our laser tag and corn maze,” he says. “It’s not just about one thing — it’s about the whole experience, whether you’re coming to challenge yourself or just enjoy a relaxing day in nature. And above all, our visitors really appreciate our friendly, welcoming vibe. It’s all about creating memories and having a good time together!”
Which activity will you do first? With your pick of ways to hike, splash, picnic, and more, Randolph County is an outdoor-lover’s dream. Click here to start planning your visit.
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