This is actually in the Highlands District. It is one of the newest tracts of land in the National Forest system. The 6300 acres were acquired in 1990 and it still does not show up on Forest Service maps. This area is almost surrounded by cliffs and is the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River. A series of old roads cross through the valley and provide a sort of trail network.
Camping is permitted in the area.
Use the Big Ridge USGS map and contact the Highlands Ranger District for further information. Catawba Lodge, Order of the Arrow Mecklenburg County Council, Boy Scouts of America. The information presented here is not an official document of either the Mecklenburg County Council or the Boy Scouts of America, but is the responsibility of the homepage maintainer. The information was developed by volunteer Scout leaders of Catawba Lodge for use by all volunteer leaders.