It is a tributary of the Pee Dee River, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean.

It flows into the Pee Dee River 8 mi (13 km) east of the city of Albemarle as part of the Lake Tillery reservoir, across the Pee Dee from Morrow Mountain State Park.

Above the mouth of the Uwharrie, the Pee Dee is known as the Yadkin River.

In its upper course, the Uwharrie collects a minor tributary named the Little Uwharrie River,[5] which flows for a short distance through northwestern Randolph County.

According to the Geographic Names Information System, the Uwharrie River has also been known as:[6]