Several Glass Pinecones Will Be Red, White and Blue to Celebrate America 250

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. (February 10, 2026) – North Carolina’s largest county-wide scavenger hunt is back for the fourth year, but this time with a patriotic twist. The popular Pinecone Pathways program is returning to Moore County and will run from March 20-April 22. The program was created by Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area in partnership with glassmakers from Starworks in Star, N.C. Starting on the first day of spring, 100 colorful glass pinecones will be hidden along trails throughout Moore County for a five-week period concluding on Earth Day (April 22). However, 25 of the 100 glass pinecones will be speckled red, white and blue to commemorate the national America 250 celebration.

“Each year, we are always looking for ways to make this viral glass pinecone hunt unique and special, so tying it to the national America 250 celebration fit perfectly,” said Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen President and CEO Phil Werz. “Each year, we see more and more people visiting from a number of states to spend a couple days searching for these unique glass treasures. While it’s all about the thrill of the hunt for the rabid ‘coneheads,’ it’s also a great way to get outside, enjoy some exercise on our great Moore County trails and hopefully realize the excitement of finding a rare glass pinecone.”

Glass pinecones will be hidden in weekly increments of 20 for five weeks along selected trail systems throughout Moore County. Each week, a new series of trails will be announced via social media alerting pinecone hunters as to what trails they should explore to find a pinecone. The pinecones will be tagged with a special number and QR code, so those finding them can register them and be eligible to win the grand prizes.

This year, there will be drawings for two grand prizes. The bigger grand prize will be based on a drawing from those finding the special red, white and blue pinecones. The larger grand prize will consist of a two-night stay in the Pinehurst area, gift cards from an area retailer and restaurant, and a special limited-edition America 250 flag. All found pinecones must be registered online to be eligible for the grand prize drawings. Finders can be any age, but the person claiming the grand prize must be 21 years of age or older.

Because there will only be a limited number of pinecones to be found in the program, organizers ask that finders only keep one of them, and any additional ones found must remain hidden on the trail. Only one contest registration per household will be permitted. Those registering more than one pinecone will be deemed ineligible for winning either grand prize.

For more information about the Pinecone Pathways Program, go to: https://homeofgolf.com/pinecone-pathways/

Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen

Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen is the economic development agency responsible for travel and tourism promotion, product development, and visitor services for Moore County, NC. The organization devises strategies to enhance the County’s tourism brand value and product to accommodate the next generation of visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. In 2024, Moore County ranked as the tenth largest tourism economy in North Carolina, generating $860 million annually in visitor spending, which supports the second largest employment sector in the county and saves county residents approximately $546 a year in state and local taxes