Beyond Golf: Outdoor Activities for Every Season in Moore County

By Anna Cook

Moore County may be famous for its world-class golf courses, but there’s plenty more to explore beyond the fairways. From scenic hiking trails to peaceful reservoirs and exciting seasonal events, this region offers outdoor adventures year-round. Whether you’re visiting in the heat of summer or the crisp days of fall, these outdoor activities will keep you coming back for more.

Year-Round Outdoor Adventures in Moore County

Thanks to Moore County’s mild winters, outdoor adventures aren’t just limited to spring, summer, and fall—you can enjoy them all year. Weymouth Woods State Park, the only state park in Moore County, is a top choice for hikers, offering nearly 10 miles of scenic trails through towering longleaf pines. Reservoir Park features a peaceful 2-mile loop around the water, while the Southern Pines Greenway System extends from multiple points, making it a favorite with both hikers and cyclists. If you’re into disc golf, there are courses for all skill levels at Reservoir Park, the Bear Creek Trail System, and the Village of Pinehurst.

Prefer something a bit less strenuous? Take a walk around downtown Southern Pines or pick up a free tour guidebook at Tufts Archives for a self-guided walk through historic Pinehurst. Art lovers can explore the Moore County Mural Trail or the Carthage Digital Video Mural Trail, which connects five murals with videos sharing their stories. Wander through the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens or The Village Arboretum—while they’re especially beautiful in spring and summer, they offer a peaceful retreat in any season.

Outdoor dining is another great way to soak up the fresh air. Many local spots, like Red’s Corner, Hatchet Brewing, and Pinehurst Brewing, offer patios with heaters or fire pits to keep you warm in cooler months. If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to book a food tour with Foodie Tours N.C., where you can sample some of the area’s best bites.

Other great year-round options:

• Cars and Coffee by Sandhills Motoring Club (first Sundays of the month)
• Come Sunday Jazz Series on the Weymouth Center grounds
• Eat barbecue at the Pik N Pig while watching planes take off and land
• Wee Pines at Olmsted Village Mini Golf
• Find the Super Hero Fire Hydrants in downtown Aberdeen

Spring Hiking in Moore County & More

Spring is the perfect time to hit the trails, especially with the return of Pinecone Pathways. Beginning on the first day of spring and running through Earth Day, this event scatters 100 handcrafted glass pinecones, made by local artists at Starworks, along Moore County’s trails. Another spring highlight is Party for the Pine, held each April at Weymouth Woods to celebrate the world’s oldest longleaf pine, located in the Boyd Tract. If you’re looking for more trails to explore, check out Aberdeen Lake Park Trail or the Bear Creek Trail System, a great spot with over 14 miles of trails.

Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the outdoors this season. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held every year in downtown Pinehurst and there are many other fun festivals like Springfest in downtown Southern Pines, Firefest at Starworks, and the Cameron Antiques Fair. Spring also marks the return of Sandhills Bogeys baseball games in May and the First Friday concert series in Southern Pines. This is also a great time to visit Farmers Markets in Moore County or spend a day berry picking at local farms. Download the Visit NC Farms app to find nearby farms and learn more about what each one offers. It will even help you find where to pick various fruits and berries when they are in season.

Other spring activities:

• Spring Matinee Races at Pinehurst Harness Track
• Painted Ponies Art Walk in downtown Southern Pines
• Polocrosse in the Pines
• Sandhills Motoring Expo

Summer on the Water & Farm Adventures in Moore County

Hot summer days are perfect for getting out on the water, whether you prefer kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or casting a line from the shore. Reservoir Park makes it easy with a boat ramp and kayak dock, but Aberdeen Lake Park or Robbins Mill Pond Park are also great options. If fishing is more your speed, venture to lesser-known spots like Lake Luke Marion near Carthage or Phillips Memorial Park, home to a two-acre fishing pond.

For a family-friendly outing—or a chance to see where your food comes from—spend a day at a local farm. Kalawi Farm, Misty Morning Ranch, and White Hill Farms are popular, but you’ll find plenty of flower farms and u-pick spots scattered throughout the county. Grab some fresh, local produce at one of the local farmers markets like the Sandhills Farmers Market, Moore County Farmers Market, and James Creek Cider House Farmers Markets. Summer also features annual events like Shakespeare in the Pines, Peach Week in the Sandhills, and the Pinehurst Barbecue Festival.

Other fun events in summer:

• Sandhills Bogeys Baseball Games
• Independence Day Celebrations in Pinehurst or Aberdeen
• U.S. Kids Golf World Championship Parade of Nations
• Robbins Farmers Day
• Farmers Day 5k

Fall Festivals & Leaf Peeping in Moore County

Enjoy the crisp autumn air and fall colors at places like Reservoir Park and Aberdeen Lake Park. If you have your own horse, then the Walthour Moss Foundation offers a beautiful place to ride and enjoy the foliage. Most local farmers markets continue operating through October, making it a great time to stock up on seasonal favorites.

Cooler temperatures also mean plenty of outdoor events to enjoy. Food lovers can head to Eats, Beats & Brews, a food truck rodeo in Pinehurst, while aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Festival D’Avion, featuring classic military aircraft displays. Southern Pines hosts the Blessing of the Hounds, a ritual dating back to the Middle Ages that marks the beginning of foxhunting season and is held annually on Thanksgiving Day. Oktoberfest celebrations bring festive fall fun to Pinehurst and the annual Turkey Trot 5K is a great way to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday with a little exercise.

Other fall activities:

• Flutterby Festival
• Cameron Antiques Fair
• Holly Arts & Crafts Festival

Winter Trails & Polar Plunge

Cooler temperatures don’t mean the outdoor adventures in Moore County stop. In December, Pinehurst holds their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, while the Santa Fly-In at Pik N Pig is where you can watch Santa and his elves sky dive into the event. Join the First Day Hike at Weymouth Woods to start the year off on the trails or take part in the Brrr Creek Plunge in Robbins if a polar plunge has been on your bucket list. A unique event this season is Hounds on the Ground at Weymouth Woods where you can learn more about foxhunting and the training of the Moore County Hounds pack.

Other winter events:

• Bear Creek Trailathon – Winter Endurance Challenge on Bear Creek Trail system

There are plenty of activities to get you outdoors no matter what time of year you visit, so start planning your trip to the Home of American Golf now!

 

Anna Cook is an electrical engineering project manager turned full-time travel blogger & photographer at Stuck on the Go. Follow along if you love road trips, hiking kayaking, amazing food, good beer and wine, or anything outdoors-related.