| We recently discovered a nature preserve near Sanford. The land for the preserve is located where the Rocky and Deep Rivers come together in Eastern Chatham County. It is less than a 20 minute drive from Sanford (directions here) but the roads to the preserve are not well marked. The road becomes gravel at one point and there is a no outlet sign. No Outlet signs on gravel roads usually mean its time to turn around but the preserve starts just past the sign. |
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After passing the No Outlet sign and a road end sign, the road turns to the left and the first sign for the preserve is on the right. The parking lot and trail head sign is just past this sign. There are no restrooms at White Pines preserve and it is pretty undeveloped except for a few trails. It is almost as if no one wants it discovered. That makes it perfect for as a quiet get away spot.We decided to explore the preserve the second Sunday in November when the area leaves were near their peak. We really enjoyed a quiet afternoon walking the trails and seeing nature. |
| We followed a trail out of the parking lot that looked like an old roadbed. The leaves on the trees were beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange. The trail gently sloped downward and we kept going to an overlook area in this lovely wooded spot. After enjoying the overlook we took a trail descending toward the river. |
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At the foot of the hill we found the Rocky River. The trees along the riverbank were beautiful. As you can see from the picture, the Rocky River comes by its name honestly. My husband was drooling thinking of catching this river after a rain with his kayak. I just enjoyed the view while the kids skipped rocks. We continued down a trail that followed the river, enjoying an afternoon with perfect weather. |
| The trail continued until the Rocky River ran into the Deep River. We then followed the trail along the Deep River. The Deep River is named not for its depth but for the height of the banks along the river. We stopped several times to enjoy the view of the river. The Deep River forms the border between Lee and Chatham County along this stretch of the river. |
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While following the river we found a woodland bog. I can just imagine this bog in the spring teeming with tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, and other river critters. Next we doubled back and joined the main trail going back up the hill. |
| After climbing the hill we took a side trail. This trail took us us another hill that had a great view of the surrounding woods. After we got to the top of the hill we noticed several White Pine Trees. These trees are unusual because they do not grow in our area except at this nature preserve. The next closest stand of these trees in 70 miles to the Northwest at Hanging Rock State Park. This preserve was established to protect this stand of White Pines where the Rocky and Deep Rivers meet. |
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We saw one great specimen White Pine tree along the trail. This tree towered over the surrounding trees and was very impressive. After an enjoyable afternoon, we returned to our cars and headed back home. |
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Rita Taylor
Sanford NC Real Estate
“Taylored” For You!
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Rita, what a beautiful area! The Preserve looks like a wonderful place to hike.
I have missed seeing your beautiful post.