White Pines
Nature Preserve

Explore the riverside landscape that inspired TLC’s earliest conservation effort.

Explore White Pines Preserve: Six Miles of Scenic Hiking Trails near Pittsboro & Sanford 

Just a few years after Triangle Land Conservancy was founded in 1983, the organization tackled a new conservation effort - saving the unique natural features of what would become the White Pines Nature Preserve. When you visit this 285-acre preserve near Pittsboro, you quickly understand why a fledgling land trust would want to protect this woodland located on a promontory at the confluence of the Deep and Rocky rivers. 

Hiking, Wildlife, and Ice Age Relics at White Pines Nature Preserve 

 The combination of north-facing slopes and the cooling influence of the waterways has created a microclimate that can be as much as 10 degrees cooler than nearby towns. Holdovers from the last Ice Age, including white pine, Catawba Rhododendron, leatherwood, and a diversity of herbaceous plants and wildflowers with more of a mountain affinity, are dotted throughout the oak-hickory forest. White pines are an unusual sight in this part of the Piedmont, generally preferring the cooler climate of the western part of the state. These trees, however, are completely isolated from the western population of the species.  

Almost six miles of trails offer hikers a chance to explore both 100-foot river bluffs covered in mountain laurel and rhododendron and low-lying bottomlands near the water. You’re likely to encounter more wildlife than people at White Pines. During late winter and early spring rains frogs and salamanders emerge and breed in temporary pools in the floodplain. 

Part of the North Carolina Birding Trail, this large forested tract is home to species like red-shouldered hawk and pileated woodpecker that thrive in uninterrupted woodlands. Neotropical migratory birds such as ovenbird, wood thrush, and numerous warbler species nest here during the spring and summer. Checking out the point where the rivers meet is worth the hike any time of year. It’s a scenic spot where you can appreciate how this forested buffer helps maintain water quality. 

Preserve Guidelines & What to Expect

All TLC preserves are open dawn to dusk.

All TLC preserves have designated parking lots. Please park and access the preserves only through these entrances. Some preserves, like Brumley Nature Preserve, have several parking access points. Williamson Preserve (specifically, the Bootleggers Loop) can be accessed from the Neuse River Greenway.

  • Mountain biking is available at Williamson Preserve in Wake County and Brumley South Preserve in Orange County. You can check the trail status at any time by visiting our trail status page. Please respect all trail closures, which help us maintain the trails and the fragile habitats near them.
  • Please note, all riders must wear helmets. E-bikes are not permitted.
  • Please observe good trail-sharing etiquette, including giving audible warnings and slowing down to pass hikers and other riders.

Yes! Dogs are welcome at all TLC preserves but they must be leashed at all times on a 6-foot physical leash. This is critical for the safety of other visitors, wildlife, and farm animals.

All pet waste must be bagged and disposed of off the premises to protect water quality and habitats.

Cell phone service varies depending on your carrier and so is not guaranteed at any of the preserves. Cell coverage is generally poor at the southern half of Williamson Preserve near the Neuse River Greenway Trail, as well as most of Horton Grove and White Pines. Please plan accordingly.

  • On shared hiking and mountain biking trails, please walk on the right side.
  • Mountain bikers should give an audible warning and slow down to pass hikers or other riders.
  • All dogs must be leashed and any waste bagged and disposed of off the premises.
  • Please stay on the marked trail in order to help us protect delicate plant and wildlife habitats.

Port-A-Johns are available at the Brumley South New Hope Church Road parking lot and at the Williamson Parking lot. No other preserves have restroom access or potable water.

  • Littering
  • Off-trail riding and hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Racing on bikes
  • Electric bikes (e-bikes)
  • Smoking
  • Bringing or consuming alcohol
  • Collecting plants and wildlife
  • Hunting
  • Feeding wildlife or livestock
  • Approaching or handling livestock or farm equipment
  • Firearms
  • Swimming
  • Tents and/or camping
  • Drone use
  • Metal detecting
  • Commercial activity of any kind

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