Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 North Carolina — 898 acres of virgin longleaf pine forest — some trees are over 500 years old! The Sandhills region is one of the most fire-adapted ecosystems in America, where controlled burns maintain the open understory that endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers need for nesting.

Visitor Information

About Weymouth Woods

Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve in Moore County protects a rare old-growth longleaf pine forest in the Sandhills region — one of the few remaining stands of virgin longleaf pine in North Carolina. Some trees exceed 300 years in age. The preserve provides critical habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, which excavates nesting cavities exclusively in living old-growth pines. The Sandhills ecosystem once stretched across the Southeast.

Things to Do

Hiking through old-growth longleaf pines (some 300+ years old), watching for red-cockaded woodpeckers (look for white resin “candles” on nesting trees), visiting the nature center, and studying the endangered Sandhills ecosystem.

Plan Your Visit

Weymouth Woods preserves 898 acres of longleaf pine savanna — one of the finest remaining stands in the North Carolina Sandhills. The Boyd Round Timber tract contains old-growth longleaf pines over 400 years old. Red-cockaded woodpeckers (federally endangered) nest in the park’s mature pines. The nature center has exhibits on the Sandhills ecosystem. Southern Pines (adjacent) is a golf resort community. Free admission; open daily 8 AM to 6 PM.

Insider Tips

Sandhills ecology: Weymouth’s sandy soil creates a unique ecosystem — the deep, well-drained sand supports longleaf pine while surrounding clay soils support different forests. Pro tip: The Sandhills have their own distinctive wildlife — fox squirrels, pine snakes, and pocket gophers thrive in this sandy habitat. Pine Needles Lodge: The nearby Pinehurst area is America’s golf capital — 40+ courses within minutes.

Best Time to Visit

Spring: Best wildflower display. Fall: Comfortable hiking. Summer: Morning visits for wildlife. Year-round: Trails open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Pinehurst the golf capital?

Pinehurst was developed in 1895 as a New England-style health resort — the sandy soil and mild Sandhills climate were perfect for golf courses. Pinehurst No. 2 (designed by Donald Ross, 1907) is consistently ranked among the world’s greatest courses. The area has hosted multiple US Opens. With 40+ courses in the immediate area, Pinehurst is to golf what Augusta is to the Masters — hallowed ground.