Badin Lake is one of the three lakes that Montgomery County highlights as especially important destinations for visitors; together, these lakes have more than 230 miles of shoreline. Other possible focuses for a trip include Town Creek Indian Mound, pottery, and a range of outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a hotel, consider whether nature, history, or both should shape your stay.
Town Creek: History and Visiting
Town Creek Indian Mound is North Carolina’s only state historic site dedicated to interpreting the state’s Native American heritage. The Town Creek site served as an important ceremonial center for the Pee-Dee culture; its main period of settlement was in the 15th century AD. A visit therefore connects the site’s history with its present-day role as a place for cultural interpretation.
As of July 28, 2026, the visitor center and gift shop are closed. The mound and village remain open for self-guided visits. Check visitor information before you travel so you can take these conditions into account when planning.
Lakes, Views, and Accessible Trails
Jumping Off Rock offers a scenic view of Barnes Creek. The King’s Mountain Point Day Use Area provides access to four accessible fishing piers. A 0.5-mile paved, accessible trail loops around the day-use area and offers beautiful views of the lake.
The three highlighted lakes have more than 230 miles of shoreline combined. Badin Lake is part of a wider range of water-based attractions, while the view of Barnes Creek from Jumping Off Rock brings a different aspect of the landscape to the fore. If you’re planning a trip around a theme, you can use the differences between lake and creek views as a guide.
Pottery and Markets
The northeastern corner of Montgomery County is part of the Seagrove Pottery Area. More than 100 potters work throughout its rural surroundings. This makes pottery its own cultural focus alongside Town Creek Indian Mound. Two farmers’ markets are identified by their locations: the Star Farmer’s Market is at the Star Heritage Center, and the Troy Farmer’s Market is in the Town of Troy parking lot. If you’re planning to visit a market, check the current market day in advance.
Outdoor Activities for Different Interests and Distances
For mountain biking, the Wood Run Mountain Bike Trail System offers 22 miles of trails. The Badin Lake Recreation Area has nearly 20 miles of OHV trails. Check trail status and applicable permit requirements before riding. The same recreation area in the Uwharrie National Forest also has two horse camps and more than 40 miles of riding trails.
Recreational gold panning is permitted in most areas of the Uwharrie National Forest. The area is designated as Game Lands; hunting there is managed by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. If you’re planning a hunt, check the applicable license and season rules. Flintlock Valley Shooting Range has a covered 100-yard rifle range with seven shooting lanes. The area’s newest golf course is south of the bridge over Lake Tillery; check whether the course is operating before planning a round.
Trail distances range from the 0.5-mile paved loop to 22 miles of mountain biking trails and more than 40 miles of riding trails. The outdoor activities therefore vary both by type and by stated distance.
Discover more destinations: Biscoe, Richmond County, Polk County, Scotland County, Forsyth, Madison County, Hoke County, Edgecombe County
For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.
