Sandhills Scenic Drive — North Carolina

Wind through one of North Carolina’s most unexpected landscapes on the Sandhills Scenic Drive, where rolling longleaf pine savannas, wire grass meadows, and sandy ridges create a terrain unlike anything else in the Piedmont. This state-designated scenic byway carries you through the heart of the Sandhills region, a geological remnant of an ancient coastline now miles from the sea.

Along the route, watch for red-cockaded woodpeckers darting between old-growth pines and keep an eye out for the region’s distinctive fox squirrels. The drive passes near the charming town of Southern Pines and the renowned Pinehurst resort area, where world-class golf courses nestle among the towering longleaf pines. Stop at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve to stretch your legs on quiet trails through some of the finest remaining longleaf pine forest in the Southeast.

Spring brings blooming dogwoods and wildflowers scattered across the sandy understory, while autumn wraps the hardwood stretches in warm gold and amber. The drive is pleasant year-round, though fall and spring offer the most comfortable temperatures.

Allow a half day to enjoy the route at a relaxed pace with stops for short hikes and local dining.

Explore Nearby

• Yellow Mountain State Natural Area — State Park in North Carolina
• William B. Umstead State Park — State Park in North Carolina
• Uwharrie National Forest — National Forest in North Carolina
• Pisgah National Forest — National Forest in North Carolina
• Wade Point Light — Lighthouse in North Carolina