Moore County: Sandhills, Gardens and History

At Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, Moore County protects longleaf pine forests with trees that are sometimes several hundred years old, as well as extensive wiregrass areas. Here, old trees and open grasslands meet in a protected landscape. Golf is also part of the county’s character: 40 golf courses are all located within a 15-mile radius. This number may change over time.

Sandhills Landscape and Gardens

The Sandhills Horticultural Gardens offer another perspective on the landscape. They encompass 16 notable gardens with diverse plant collections. They also feature the unique natural environment of the North Carolina Sandhills, set within specially designed landscapes. Compared with Weymouth Woods, the two offer different highlights: preserved pine forests and wiregrass are at the center there, while here the focus is on designed gardens and plant collections.

There is no admission fee for day use at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve. Fees for special events or facilities should be checked separately. The Walthour-Moss Foundation is open daily from sunrise to sunset; check for current information before visiting.

Trails, Parks and Recreational Activities

Moore County offers dozens of scenic trails. More than 14 miles of trails run along Bear Creek and Cabin Creek. If you have a particular trail in mind, check its details before your trip.

Parks and bodies of water also offer different highlights. In downtown Carthage, Lake Luke Marion is stocked with fish and has a pier. Phillips Memorial Park in Cameron covers 24 acres of former farmland and includes a two-acre fishing pond.

For disc golf, West Pinehurst Park at 861 Chicken Plant Road has an 18-hole course. The Pinehurst Harness Track offers another aspect of the area’s recreational activities: since 1915, it has been a winter training center for Standardbred horses. Its infield hosts events including polocrosse, dressage and hunter-jumper competitions.

Historic Homes and Events

Built around 1760, the McLendon Cabin is the oldest house in Moore County on its original site. The Shaw House is the oldest house in Southern Pines on its original foundation.

The House in the Horseshoe, also called the 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. Each spring, it holds the annual Heritage Day. The program includes historic homes open to visitors, 18th- and 19th-century artisans, live music, food, reenactments and demonstrations of traditional activities. As the event takes place annually, check the specific dates for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Pinebluff, Foxfire, Seven Lakes, Whispering Pines, Lincoln County, Nash.

For the regional travel overview: North Carolina.