Find Your Next Adventure

Explore the opportunities right here in the Sandhills of NC.

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Wildlife

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Conservation

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Observation

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Military training

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Recreation

✳︎ Wildlife ✳︎ Conservation ✳︎ Observation ✳︎ Military training ✳︎ Recreation

Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve

One of the best places in North Carolina to experience classic Sandhills ecology, Weymouth Woods protects old-growth longleaf pine forests, wiregrass habitat, and many rare native species. The trails are well-maintained and approachable for families, making it an ideal first stop for learning about the region’s fire-dependent ecosystems.

Activities:

  • Wildlife watching

  • Hiking and photography

  • Learning about habitat restoration

  • Fishing opportunities

  • Birding, especially for red-cockaded woodpeckers and Bachman’s sparrows

Walthour-Moss Foundation

This protected preserve encompasses four thousand acres of longleaf pine habitat, sand ridges, streams, and equestrian trails. It is quieter and less developed than many parks, making it ideal for families seeking a more peaceful, immersive nature experience.

Activities:

  • Hiking and horseback riding

  • Nature journaling and photography

  • Birdwatching

  • Exploring native Sandhills plant communities

Carvers Creek State Park

Carvers Creek blends natural beauty with Sandhills history, featuring pine forests, blackwater wetlands, and the historic Rockefeller-era Long Valley Farm property. The park is especially good for families because it combines easy hiking with educational opportunities tied to ecology and local history.

Activities:

  • Family-friendly hiking

  • Wildlife observation

  • Exploring historic millponds and farm structures

  • Nature photography

  • Picnicking and seasonal ranger programs

Reservoir Park

A simple and accessible 165-acre outdoor destination with a 95-acre lake, Reservoir Park gives families an easy introduction to local wildlife and aquatic habitats. Its loop trail and lake views make it especially good for young children and casual evening nature walks.

Activities:

  • Lakeside walking trails

  • Fishing

  • Birdwatching

  • Turtle and amphibian spotting

  • Family picnics

Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg contains some of the largest remaining longleaf pine ecosystems and offers numerous recreational areas where families can experience the region’s natural beauty firsthand. Outdoor destinations such as Smith Lake Recreation Area, McKellar’s Lodge, and the installation’s extensive trail systems provide opportunities for hiking, kayaking, wildlife observation, camping, and other areas for licensed hunting and fishing. Many of these areas are surrounded by protected habitats that support rare species, including red-cockaded woodpeckers, fox squirrels, and native carnivorous plants, allowing visitors to learn about conservation while enjoying the outdoors. Learn more here. Note that specific areas are designated for fishing/hunting vs recreation. See hunting and fishing info here.

Sandhills Gamelands

This massive public landscape offers one of the most authentic Sandhills experiences in the state. Families can observe longleaf pine restoration, prescribed burn areas, pitcher plants, and diverse wildlife while exploring one of the Southeast’s most important conservation regions.

Activities:

  • Wildlife watching

  • Hiking and photography

  • Learning about habitat restoration

  • Licensed Fishing and hunting

  • Birding, especially for red-cockaded woodpeckers and Bachman’s sparrow