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.
Google Maps (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.
alltrails/Wes Adams
No one really knows when — or how — Purgatory Mountain got its name.
Google Maps 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.
Google Local/Rob Ainbinder
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.
alltrails/Nicole Tyler
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.
alltrails/Wes Adams
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.
Google Local/Roger King
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.
Google Maps/tim scott
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.
Google Maps
(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.)
alltrails/Wes Adams
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.
Google Local/Rob Ainbinder
alltrails/Nicole Tyler
Google Local/Roger King
Google Maps/tim scott
Have you ever wondered about the center of North Carolina and have you ever visited Purgatory Mountain while at the North Carolina Zoo?
Keep reading for even more reasons to visit the North Carolina Zoo!
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Address: 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205, USA
