Discover 400-Year-Old Longleaf Pine Trees At Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve In North Carolina

It might be difficult to imagine the texture and character of 400-year-old trees in North Carolina. You can see these ancient relics in real life at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve in Southern Pines. Just 35 miles northwest of Fayetteville, this majestic space allows visitors to discover the longleaf pine forests that once covered millions of acres. In addition to the lovely trees, keep watch for some rare wildlife, including red-cockaded woodpeckers, pine snakes, fox squirrels, and the interesting purple pitcher plant. Let's take a look at some of the oldest trees in North Carolina.

Three tracts comprise the preserve, including Paint Hill, Boyd, and Weymouth Woods, which is the only parcel with amenities.

The Visitors Center includes an auditorium, a classroom, a discovery room, and some very helpful park rangers.

The oldest trees on the preserve are located on the Boyd Tract containing 100 acres of old-growth forest making us realize how small we are.

Many of the longleaf pine trees on this property are thought to be more than 400 years old. The oldest one is estimated at 470 years and counting which is marked by two green poles.

The hike on this tract is the easy, 1.4-mile Round Timber Trail, which is very sandy and shady.

It showcases some delightful features offsetting the natural beauty, including this elegant fountain.

The rich woods of the preserve accompany folks along 11 connecting trails making for an enchanting walk which is around seven total miles.

They can be taken alone or combined for longer journeys. The Pine Barrens, Light Stump, and Pine Island Loop is a 2.1-mile easy hike.

This a lovely place for a quiet, peaceful walk, especially first thing in the morning when the park opens.

We like to come early to reset before it gets too hot and busy.

And around that time you may receive the added gifts of these slithering creatures.

Also look up and watch out for the colorful birds flitting about.

For a bit more of a challenge, try the Pine Barren and Gum Swamp Loop.

The 1.4-mile hike has several tree roots to watch out for and some of these sweet blossoms come spring.

Discover more about these 400-year-old trees in North Carolina on the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve site. And write about them in your nature journal to commemorate the day(s) you encountered some of the state's oldest trees.

While you're there, read more about the walkable town of Southern Pines.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/most-walkable-small-towns-nc/