The True Geographical Center Of North Carolina Is Actually A Place Called Purgatory Mountain
When thinking about the Tar Heel State and its geography, we’re often drawn to that which is most visible like the Blue Ridge Mountains, the coast, and even natural landmarks like Chimney Rock and Pilot Mountain. But did you ever stop to think about the geographic center of North Carolina?
While some schools of thought place the geographic center of North Carolina in the tiny town of Star in Montgomery County, others place it approximately 20 miles north, in Asheboro.
(In fact, both may spots may be accurate, depending upon whether you're measuring the center of the state from north to south or east to west.)
The alternate opinion to placing it in the town of Star, pinpoints the center of the state on the summit of a peak in the Uwharrie Mountains. The peak, called Purgatory Mountain, rises to somewhere in the neighborhood of 1,000 feet above sea level.
Some place the moniker as starting during the Civil War when war objectors hid out on the mountain. Others believe it's due to the number of moonshiners who set up shop on Purgatory during Prohibition. Still others tie the name to the Purgatory. Whatever the origin, reaching Purgatory is an easy hike from a trailhead within the North Carolina Zoo.
If you're at all curious about how it feels to spend a little time on Purgatory Mountain, then you'll find the trailhead easily accessible from the north end of the North America parking lot at the North Carolina Zoo.
From the start to where the trail ends, it's approximately one mile on a mostly flat trail that has an elevation gain of about 180 feet. In warm weather months, you'll want to be sure to bring plenty of water on this hike... as it can get mighty hot on top of Purgatory Mountain.
You'll know when you're reached the center of the state (and the summit of Purgatory) when you see the zoo's signs signaling you've reached the end of the trail.
In some cultures, reaching the end of the trail at Purgatory Mountain could mean it's time to sit and contemplate if you're living your best life and if you need to make any changes — while you're still here. Fortunately, Purgatory Mountain has plenty of thinking rocks to sit on and do just that.
Today, the summit at Purgatory Mountain is a jumble of big boulders on which to sit and think. However, at the summit, you'll find a sign with a little about the history of Purgatory Mountain and some plans for the future, including a planned wooden observation tower taller than the trees. With the additions, perhaps Purgatory will have more visitors.
Purgatory Mountain is accessible via the Purgatory Trail in the north end of the North America parking lot at the North Carolina Zoo. It’s perfect for year-round hiking, with more long-range visibility from the summit during the winter months. If hiking in the summer, remember to bring plenty of water. Learn more about the trail from our friends at AllTrails and connect to a map of the trail at this link on the official website of the North Carolina Zoo.
Have you ever wondered about the center of North Carolina and have you ever visited Purgatory Mountain while at the North Carolina Zoo?
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
