OH9JK

Uwharrie National Forest would be closest legal trails to Raleigh at 1hr 30mins.

It's a really nice place with all sorts of outdoor activities.

Here is a Google Map to the Outpost. This is where you can purchase a trail pass and load up on supplies. (the food is really good here)....The entrance to Uwharrie is just down the road

Eldorado Outpost

kmw

I'll second Old 105 - some of my favourite campsites for beginners (and for "car camping with day hiking") are on that road. A group wanting to do http://goo.gl/1GHEbA would have a good morning

Any of the gravel down around Brown Mountain Beach is nice but traffic can be pretty heavy at times.

HELLBENDER-JK

I like your map but check out that dirt road off State Road 1240 near the address 4656 Fish Hatchery Rd, Morganton, NC 28655 that runs back up along 1240 heading n/s

That looks like it has a few creek crossings

kmw

I've had iffy luck with the service roads in that area. It seems like FS 496 is always gated off - I've been camping down there for 16 years and last summer/autumn was the first time I can remember the gate being open. I'll do some recon down there this weekend and let you know how it goes, with some pictures if it's halfway decent!