White Pines Nature Preserve is one of those lesser known places off the beaten path. It’s located 8 miles south of Pittsboro near the border of Chatham and Lee Counties. The Piedmont Land Conservancy acquired and protected this unique 276 acre tract of land because it is home to a variety of plants and animals. Most importantly though, it contains an isolated pocket of white pines which are more commonly found at higher elevations.

White Pines has:
• 5 hiking trails
• A unique topography which includes high bluffs with steep north-facing slopes
• The Rocky and Deep Rivers converge at the northeast corner of the preserve
• Remnants of an old footbridge on the School Kids Trail
• Part of the North Carolina Birding Trail
• Upland depression pools in wet months of the year

Directions:
Go south on US 15-501 for 8 miles from the Courthouse traffic circle in Pittsboro. Cross the Rocky River at 7 miles; proceed another mile up the hill and turn left on River Fork Road. The road Ts – take an immediate right. The road turns to gravel after 1.2 miles; at mile 1.6 turn right at the stop sign. The road veers left after 0.6 miles (a driveway veers right). Go another 0.3 miles to the trailhead/parking area. ~MB