Take some time while you’re here to enjoy the laid back vibe and beauty of our area with these top escapes into the natural splendor of the Sandhills.
1. Reservoir Park – Explore 12 miles of hard- packed sand trails, including a 2-mile scenic reservoir loop and a 3-mile Mill Creek loop, all part of Southern Pines’ Greenway Trail System. MB 300 Reservoir Park Rd., Southern Pines, NC 28387
2. Weymouth Woods State Park – Choose from 1-3 mile hiking trail loops, including one that runs through a bog where you may be lucky enough to see the insectivorous purple pitcher plant! Pets must be on a leash at all times and bicycles are not allowed. Click here for a map of the park. 1024 Fort Bragg Rd., Southern Pines, NC 28387
3. Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities – Five blocks from downtown Southern Pines, stroll the Boyd estate which features beautiful gardens, a koi pond, and a marble fountain. You can also pick up the walking trails in the meadow to the Weymouth Woods Boyd Tract. L 555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387
4. All American Trail – Mountain bikes and trail runners are welcome on this 21 mile public access trail that borders Ft. Bragg. Just a 5 minute drive from downtown Southern Pines, past beautiful horse farms on the way to the trailhead parking. Closed during fall/winter hunting season. MB Corner of Connecticut Ave. and Fort Bragg Rd., Southern Pines, NC 28387
5. Sandhills Horticultural Gardens – Covering 27 acres, the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens are open to the public every day of the year from dawn to sunset and offer an educational adventure to anyone with an interest in plants. Varieties of gardens offer interesting flora every season of the year. They are located on Airport Road just beyond the entrance to Sandhills Community College. L, S 3395 Airport Rd., Pinehurst, NC 28374
6. Village of Pinehurst’s Rassie Wicker Park – Walk from downtown Pinehurst and enjoy 3 miles of walking trails and a 33-acre Arboretum. The park is part of the Pinehurst Greenway System that is being developed. L, S 10 Wicker Drive, Pinehurst, NC 28374
7. Aberdeen Lake Park– Stop by and enjoy a 2 mile lake trail, a train-themed playground, and views of the beautiful lake. This park is a great place for family picnics, boating (no gas engines), and everything in between. L, MB 301 Lake Park Crossing, Aberdeen, NC 28315
8. Nick’s Creek Trail – Enjoy hard-packed gravel/sand trails that run 4 miles until they meet up with the reservoir loop. Visit seventh generation Highlander Farms on HWY 22 for Sam’s Famous Ice Cream as an after-hike treat. MB 7200 NC 22 Hwy., Southern Pines, NC 28387
9. Clara McLean Healing Garden – Stroll this whimsical English style garden nestled between the property of the Clara McLean House and the Pinehurst Greenway Trail. L, S 20 First Village Dr., Pinehurst, NC 28374
10. Uwharrie National Forest – The Uwharrie National Recreation Trail offers a variety of scenery, streams, and rocky terrain. The trail can be hiked in long or short sections as the trail crosses several access points. Length: 20 miles (Uwharrie Trail); 11.5 miles (Dutchman’s Creek Trail). Click here for more information on the Uwharrie National Forest. Map. MB Uwharrie Ranger District Office, 789 NC Highway 24/27 East, Troy, NC 27371
Key:
L = Light Walking Option
MB = Mountain Biking
S = Stroller Friendly
