Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve in Southern Pines, North Carolina, invites hikers to step into a world shaped by longleaf pines stretching skyward, their needles whispering secrets of an ancient ecosystem. The trails here engage every sense: the fragrant resin carried on a steady breeze, dry sandy soils crunching beneath your boots, and sunlight dappling through towering trunks that have stood for centuries. This is a hike where the forest doesn’t just exist around you—it challenges your pace and patience, unfolding in deliberate rhythm.

The preserve offers over 10 miles of connected trails winding through the longleaf pine ecosystem, a habitat once widespread but now protected here. Most popular is the 3.4-mile self-guided loop trail, ideal for those looking for a moderate hike with about 200 feet of combined elevation gain—enough to keep the heart engaged but not overwhelmed. The terrain is mostly sandy with occasional patches of exposed roots and gentle inclines, demanding sturdy footwear with good traction.

As you move deeper, clusters of wiregrass sway like a restless ocean, daring you to keep your balance on narrow paths. Red-cockaded woodpeckers, shy and elusive, drum their territorial beats, while wild turkeys roam silently beside the trail, their gaze daring yet wary. Seasonal wildflowers dot the understory in spring, and the haunting call of barred owls often welcomes quieter moments.

Timing your hike close to morning or late afternoon reveals the woods’ character in shifting light—soft yet defining. Carry enough water; the sandy ground reflects heat, turning the air scarce. Layer your clothing to adapt to the cool forest shade and sudden sun. The preserve encourages respect—stay on established paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and pack out all trash to ensure this unique ecosystem remains fiercely itself.

Ending your loop, the picnic areas under mature pines offer a moment of calm reflection where the forest’s slow pulse can settle your own. Weymouth Woods is both sanctuary and sparring partner—a living classroom for those ready to pay attention in steps and breath.