Birkhead Mountains Wilderness

The Birkhead Mountains Wilderness spans 5,160 acres of natural terrain with elevations reaching between 600 and 1,100 feet above sea level.

Designated in 1984 through the North Carolina Wilderness Act, this land includes former plantation grounds owned by John Watson Birkhead in the 18th century.

Native American settlements in the Birkhead Mountains date back 12,000 years, with the Catawba Indians inhabiting the region until European exploration began.

The wilderness features three main trail loops marked with white blazes, allowing visitors to plan hikes ranging from 7 to 12 miles in length.

The mountain range within the wilderness belongs to the oldest geological formations on the North American continent, containing numerous historical artifacts.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: 1984

Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recreation/recarea/?recid=49146

Operator: United States Forest Service

Website: http://fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recreation/recarea/?recid=49146

GPS coordinates: 35.60280,-79.92170

Latest update: November 1, 2025 11:54