Upperdark

The first three miles below the surface is known as the Upperdark. It is here where the surface dwellers and those of the Underdark most often meet, and many outposts of the lower cities lie. Whether it is to raid the surface for resources, conquest or trade, many underdark races have found use for being near the surface. These areas are the most localized, with far fewer paths leading between each of the other sections of the upperdark.
The dangers in the Upperdark are often not as common as could be found in the lower layers, but many terrifying creatures still sometimes ascended from the depths to terrorize those venturing underground. There are few permanent settlements in this region, most that spring up are simply outposts for creatures wishing a stronghold on the path between the surface and middledark.
The Upperdark is also know for inhabiting far more surface races than the other areas. Vampires who look underground, villains seeking to create underground labyrinths for their nefarious purposes, dwarves who dig far into the earth in search of ore and many others find their way into the Upper reaches of the underdark.

Mapping

Many cave systems exist in the Lost Lands, but not all are considered part of the Upperdark. Only those with at least one connection to the lower levels could be considered a region of Upperdark. While orcs, kobolds and gnolls are often found in the bowels of the world, only in the upper regions of the underdark can be found some of the stranger creatures that dwell far below the surface.
The upperdark is localized to a particular region and unlike the lower levels often has its own map. For example, there is a region of underdark under both the Frostgale Taiga and the Plains of Mayfarrow. Specific landmarks, surface connections and the route to the lower levels are all mapped out. Once one descends into the lower regions of the middledark, the maps break down and a more abstract navigation method is done.

Inhabitants

Many surface and underdark races can be found in the Upperdark. The most common intelligent creatures are troglodytes, orcs, kobolds, goblins, gnolls, bugbear, hobgoblins.
Myconids, Duergar, Drow, Quaggoth, kuo-toa, Derro and svirfneblin are often found in these regions, often finding the competition with the surface races easier than fighting the dangers of the lower parts of the world.
Many other inhabitants call the underdark home, from Stone Giants to dragons or even greater evils who have ascended from below in search of food. Even more common are beasts and monsters that the intelligent inhabitants fear. Cave fishers, stirges, carrion crawlers and the dreaded roper are common.

Location under

The Underdark