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Birkhead Mountains Wilderness
4.5 ★★★★★ 151 Google reviews · Running trail in Asheboro, North Carolina · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 2.2 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Birkhead Mountains Wilderness' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
National forest with hiking trails and a house to explore.
What runners say about Birkhead Mountains Wilderness
“You’re able to explore a gorgeous creek along the way as well as wander through the out and back trail.”
“It's a very peaceful place no cars allowed or motors but it is a wilderness.”
“It’s easy walking, no overly steep climbs.”
We enjoyed a fabulous day of exploring and hiking here. The lot for the Thornburg trailhead is small (accommodates 6-8 cars). We arrived early and had no issues with parking, but the lot was full when we left.
VERY CLOSE TO THE CITY OF ASHBORO NC. We did the other side through the one next to the tot hill farm country club ! That is more primitive , make sure you have water , the terrain is middle experience, not for a newbie or a kid for sure !
Small gravel parking lot for about 8 cars. Historical Lewis-Thornburg House and out buildings near parking lot. Hiking the Thornburg trail to Robbins Branch Trail to Hannah’s Creek Trail to Birkhead Mts Trail to Camp 3 trail to Birkhead to Robins and back to Thornburg makes a nice loop (about 13.2 miles).
Great place for a quiet hike. Walked 10 miles and just saw 4 people. The forest is beautiful on a mild mid-winter day!
Trail conditions & character
“I expected to see another vehicle when we got to the parking lot, but nope.”
“You’re able to explore a gorgeous creek along the way as well as wander through the out and back trail.”
“It's a very peaceful place no cars allowed or motors but it is a wilderness.”
Plan your run at Birkhead Mountains Wilderness
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance2.2 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 828-257-4200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Asheboro
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Robbins Branch Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 63 reviews
Hiking area featuring kid-friendly treks, woods, and a picnic spot.
Tot Hill Farm Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 138 reviews
National forest offering hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, as well as a golf course.
Uwharrie Charter Academy Nature Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
Caraway Creek Preserve
4.9 ★★★★★ 55 reviews
Park featuring trails, some with scenic views, along with a dam.