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Nicholas Sparks’ latest novel, Counting Miracles, brings readers into the beauty of North Carolina’s Uwharrie region, particularly Asheboro. The book’s plot navigates themes of love, loss, and resilience against a backdrop of evocative natural landscapes.
At Three Rivers Land Trust, our team was intrigued by how accurately Sparks depicted the Uwharries. Because of this, we challenged our resident Uwharrie expert, Crystal Cockman (lovingly nicknamed “Queen of the Uwharries”), to read the book in a single day and share what’s true or false about the book’s description of the Uwharries we know and love! Check out Crystal’s full review!
True or False: Uncovering 5 True or False Details About the Uwharries in Counting Miracles
The Mystical White Deer: TRUE
The White deer is a prominent symbol in the book and is also a prevalent figure in ghost stories told in the Uwharries. One of these stories, “The Ghost of White Deer Valley,” is told in Joe Moffitt’s book, An Afternoon hike into the Past. Although the story differs slightly from the one told in Sparks’ novel, the message is quite similar- a white deer is a spirit animal and needs to be protected.
Albinism in deer happens at a rate of one in 30,000 deer births, and very few fawns survive beyond the first year of life. Because of their rarity, white deer are seen as mystical creatures, often symbolizing purity, renewal, or spiritual enlightenment.
To read more about the Uwharries and Joseph Moffit check out this Our State Article!
Development in the Uwharries: TRUE
Sparks points out rapid development being experienced in this area. One passage stands out: “Years earlier, Jasper remembered, he’d tried to stop the developer from building the subdivisions the boy’s family lived in. The town of Asheboro had been creeping every southward, getting closer and closer to his cabin, and he’d complained to the county commissioner… now there were tracts of identical homes where once there was nothing but virgin forests and farmland.”
Land in Randolph County is threatened by development, as the nearby city of Asheboro continues to expand. With a new car plant coming to Liberty, the landscape of Randolph County is surely going to change in the next few years. Land prices are getting higher and the ability to conserve farmland is only going to be more and more difficult. Read more about conservation efforts OF TRLT in Asheboro here!
Portrayals of (Some) Parts of the Uwharries: FALSE! (Kind of)
One of the main characters of the book lives in a cabin surrounded on three sides by the Uwharrie National Forest close to the city of Asheboro, the location of which only makes sense as being near the Birkhead Wilderness Area. However, the author describes the forest in a way that suggests it is a developed area with ATV trails, fire lanes, and horse trails. This part is slightly off. The features he describes ARE found elsewhere in the Uwharrie forest, specifically in the Badin Recreation Area, not in the Birkhead Wilderness where it seems most likely his cabin is located nearby.
Despite this discrepancy, much of the book accurately captures the beauty of Uwharrie National Forest and surrounding areas in Asheboro, painting a well thought-out and beautiful picture of their natural landscape and vibrant community.
Hunting Practices: TRUE
Sparks does a great job in Counting Miracles of explaining and talking about aspects of hunting and hunting seasons. The ins and outs of when deer, and turkey season begin and end, as well as the fact that there is a week for youth turkey hunting prior to the regular season opening, are described in an accurate manner.
Sparks accurately discusses the illegal practices of spotlighting and harvesting deer out of season, which are prohibited according to North Carolina Regulations. When trying to protect the white deer, Jasper removed corn which is allowed to be used as bait for deer in North Carolina currently (though not allowed in some states where Chronic Wasting Disease [CWD] is more prevalent).
Details about the North Carolina Zoo: TRUE
The North Carolina Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo owning over 2,800 acres and cares for over 1,700 animals. One section of the novel is set at the North Carolina Zoo. For those who have visited the North Carolina Zoo, you’ll recognize the route they take from the North American entrance, past the cougar and alligators, to the polar bear and arctic fox. Sparks does a great job at painting a picture for his readers of the North Carolina Zoo and all its wonderful habitats and animals.
Visit the North Carolina Zoo website for more information on tickets and experiences!
Exploring the Uwharries: Trails and Attractions
Feeling inspired to explore the Uwharries after reading Counting Miracles? Here are some of our TRLT staff’s expert recommendations for the top must-visit spots in the area:
Nifty Rocks
Located in the Badin Recreation Area, Nifty Rocks is a natural wonder accessible by foot or horseback. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the beauty of the forest.
Low Water Bridge to 109
This paddling route along the Uwharrie River offers adventure through protected lands, showcasing stunning scenery while providing a thrilling experience on the water.
Pisgah Covered Bridge
One of North Carolina’s last remaining covered bridges, built in 1911, the Pisgah Covered Bridge is a charming relic that connects visitors to the area’s history.
Uwharrie Mercantile
In downtown Troy, the Uwharrie Mercantile is a delightful gathering spot for locals and visitors. With plans to revitalize the historic building, it’s set to become a hub of activity. Visit their website to learn more!
The Table in Asheboro
This charming eatery combines a bakery, espresso bar, and market, serving delicious meals made from local ingredients. It’s a perfect stop to refuel after exploring the Uwharries! Visit their website to learn more!
For more on local activities in Asheboro and the Uwharries, check out Discover Uwharrie and uncover the hidden gems of this region.
Counting Miracles of North Carolina’s land every day.
The Uwharries have a unique ability to inspire. They inspired Counting Miracles, and they will inspire you too when you visit. For nearly three decades, Three Rivers Land Trust has been dedicated to conserving and expanding this vital region, successfully connecting four out of the five trails so that people can continue to experience and draw inspiration from this remarkable place. If you’d like to support our mission to expand public lands, save family farms, and protect local waters, partner with us today!
To speak with a land trust representative about options to conserve your property, or to support Three Rivers Land Trust in their conservation mission, please contact Emily Callicutt, Senior Land Protection Specialist, at emily@trlt.org or 704-647-0302.
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