At Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve in Moore County, longleaf pine forests with trees several hundred years old in some cases, as well as extensive wiregrass areas, are protected. There is no admission fee for day use; please check separately for fees for special events or facilities. The Walthour-Moss Foundation is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Check for current notices before your visit.
Sandhills Nature and Designed Gardens
The Sandhills Horticultural Gardens offer a different focus. Located in the heart of the Sandhills, they comprise 16 remarkable gardens with diverse plant collections. Specially designed landscapes also showcase the unique natural environment of the North Carolina Sandhills. This offers two ways to experience the Sandhills: as protected nature and as a designed garden landscape.
Trails, Water and Sports
Moore County offers dozens of scenic trails; check details about individual trails before your trip. More than 14 miles of trails run along Bear Creek and Cabin Creek. In downtown Carthage, Lake Luke Marion is a stocked fishing lake with a pier. In Cameron, Phillips Memorial Park spans 24 acres of repurposed farmland and includes a two-acre fishing pond. West Pinehurst Park at 861 Chicken Plant Road is home to an 18-hole disc golf course. An official county estimate lists 40 golf courses, all located within a 15-mile radius; the number may change over time.
Historic Homes and Their Stories
McLendon Cabin was built around 1760 and is the oldest house in Moore County on its original site. Shaw House is the oldest house in Southern Pines on its original foundation. The reference points for the two claims differ: for the cabin, it is the original site at the county level; for Shaw House, it is the original foundation in Southern Pines. House in the Horseshoe, also known as Alston House, was built in 1772 on the Deep River in what is now Moore County. In July 1781, it was the site of a small skirmish between Whigs and Tories.
The Moore County Historical Association presents exhibits in its house museums and offers educational programs. Its Heritage Day is an annual spring event. The program includes historic homes open to visitors, 18th- and 19th-century artisans, live music, food, reenactments and demonstrations of traditional activities. Check current dates if you would like to include Heritage Day in your travel plans.
Horse Training and Competitions
Since 1915, Pinehurst Harness Track has been a winter training center for Standardbred horses. Its infield hosts events including polocrosse, dressage and hunter-jumper competitions.
Discover more destinations: Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Pinebluff, Foxfire, Seven Lakes, Whispering Pines, Pitt, Franklin County
For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.
