Discover 400-Year-Old Longleaf Pine Trees At Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve In North Carolina
By Carolyn Harmon|Published April 24, 2024
×
Carolyn Harmon
Author
Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
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.
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.
Advertisement
The hike on this tract is the easy, 1.4-mile Round Timber Trail, which is very sandy and shady.
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.
