Upper Dutchman's Creek/Uwharrie trails - 10 mile hike

This hike is in the Uwharrie National Forest. We'll start at Yates Place Camp parking area and hike the upper portion of the Dutchman's Creek trail to where it intersects the Uwharrie National trail and hike back along the Uwharrie trail to the parking area. Total mileage is a little over 10 miles. This hike is rated as strenuous because of the mileage and elevation changes. The upper Dutchman's Creek trail is one of the most remote areas of the trail system. It is a beautiful area, but it is tougher to hike than a lot of other trails. There are many sharp elevation changes, though the gain/loss each time isn't that great. The trail is littered with fallen trees and the trail is sometimes hard to follow. Progress will be slower in Dutchman's Creek. I did this trail a month ago and I can tell you it is definitely tough. The way back on the Uwharrie trail is relatively flat. To participate in this hike you need to be fit and to have been doing some type of regular cardiovascular exercise, (i.e., regularly hiking 8+ miles, fitness walking, running, etc.). I estimate that it will take 5 - 7 hours to do this hike. Bring lunch, snacks, water, rain gear, headlamps and moleskin or similar in case of blisters. Hiking poles are a definite plus to get through some of the steep rocky ascents and descents on Dutchman's. We will be leaving the meeting spot promptly to get to the trailhead and start our hike. I will email the meeting location to attendees.