White Pines Nature Preserve

White Pines Nature Preserve, Triangle Land Conservancy’s flagship property, was the first purchased and is still the most biologically significant—home to federally endangered fish and plant species. Located at the confluence of the Deep and Rocky Rivers, the preserve is a great place to hike, offering beautiful views of the forest and rivers. Temperatures at the preserve can be as much as ten degrees cooler than nearby downtown Pittsboro due to its unique microclimate – making it a great summer hiking destination!

It supports several stands of white pines, a tree that is normally found in the cooler mountain region of North Carolina. Many other mountain plants and wildflowers, including Catawba rhododendron, grow at White Pines. The Gilbert Yager Trail explores the southern portion of the preserve, meandering through several distinct forestry types: dry oak-hickory forest on the ridge, Piedmont bottomland forest in the Deep River floodplain, and several stands of native white pines.

There are 2 parking lots (1 at Shiner’s Way Trailhead and 1 at Schoolkids, Gilbert Yager, and White Pines Trailheads). There are accesses for canoeing and kayaking at White Pines Nature Preserve – a great opportunity to paddle the confluence of the Deep and Rocky rivers.  There is a canoe launch by the Rocky River off River Trail and canoe drop-off where the White Pines and River Trails intersect. White Pines Nature Preserve is part of the NC Birding Trail.