Field Course to Explore the
Uwharrie Volcanics of the
Albemarle Volcanic Island Arc in Troy, NC
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 – 10 a.m. to ~3 p.m.
Field Course Leader: Phil Bradley, PG – Senior Piedmont Geologist for the NC Geological Survey
Details: Remember field camp? This field course will take you back! Phil’s hike and instruction will be “hands-on.” We will provide handouts with a base map, worksheets, and a list of rock textures that you will encounter on the trip. As we hike, we will mimic NCGS geologists in their data-collection methods and thought processes. For the best “hands-on” experience bring a hand lens, clipboard (for writing on the handouts), and geologic (or standard) compass if you have one.
We will start the field course with our usual breakfast of doughnuts/bagels/coffee near the trailhead. Our hike will visit a portion of the Uwharrie Trail on Dark Mountain. We will walk over rocks associated with the Uwharrie Volcanics of the Albemarle volcanic island arc and look at rock textures along the way while discussing new geologic mapping results of the NC Geological Survey. Bring your own lunch for a stop while on the trail, so bring your backpack and water. The hike is of moderate difficulty and is approximately three miles round-trip. We strongly recommend hiking boots.
Location: Near the unincorporated town of Ophir in the Uwharrie National Forest. Meet at Jumping Off Rock/Dark Mountain Trailhead parking area. Jumping Off Rock Trailhead, 2015 A Flint Hl Rd, Troy, NC 27371.
Cost: $15 for AEG members and teacher members; $25 for non-members; free for student members of AEG
Reservation deadline: 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Field Trip Waiver: Please sign/date and return field trip waiver to Andrew Beaty by April 8 or bring it with you to the field trip.
Continuing Education Credits: Four hours for North and South Carolina geology boards.