The water drains mostly agricultural regions of Randolph and Montgomery counties. It is dammed at Lake Lucas to provide drinking water for the city of Asheboro. The first Uwharrie River paddlers used stone tools and fire to carve their canoes from trees. Today, river runners have a wide assortment of canoes and kayaks to choose from. These modern boats are made of high tech plastic or fiberglass.
Cost ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Big city outfitters usually rent canoes, equipment and some provide paddling instruction. Trail clubs run the river every year. Paddling with a club is probably the best way for beginners to learn the Uwharrie or any other river. Experienced paddlers know that heavy rains can change the Uwharrie from a gentle beginner's stream to a swift-water hazard. The Ash-Rand Rescue Squad of Asheboro once wiped out their aluminum boat on this river while saving a pair of stranded paddlers.