Pinecone Pathways

The popular Pinecone Pathways program is returning to Moore County and will run from March 19-April 22, 2024. The program was created last year by the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to celebrate the Year of the Trail in North Carolina. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the program, the CVB decided to make the scavenger hunt an annual event. Once again, the CVB has partnered with glassmakers at Starworks, located in Star, to produce 100 colorful glass pinecones which will be hidden along trails throughout Moore County for a five-week period starting on the first day of spring and ending on Earth Day (April 22).

“Last year, we had no idea that the Pinecone Pathways program would take off and become as viral as it did,” said CVB President and CEO Phil Werz. “The fact that word spread quickly and we saw people visiting from several states to try and find a rare glass pinecone made us realize we were onto something here. The thrill of the hunt coupled with knowing you cannot just go out and buy one made it a ‘must have’ for everyone taking the time to be part of the search.”

Glass pinecones will be hidden in weekly 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 are actual size and will be tagged with a special number and QR code, so those finding them can register them and be eligible to win a prize including two ground passes for one day to attend the 2024 U.S. Open, admission for two to the World Golf Hall of Fame, round of golf for two at the Wee Pines miniature golf facility in Taylortown, pass for four for one hour at Double Eagle Indoor Golf, and a $100 gift card to 195 American Fusion restaurant. The pinecone image must be registered online to be eligible for the grand prize drawing.

Because there will only be a limited number of pinecones to be found in the program, the CVB asks that finders only keep one and any additional ones found remain hidden on the trail. Only one contest registration per finder will be permitted.

The CVB has enlisted the help of special “pinecone hiders” who will know the exact location of every pinecone. The pinecones will never be more than three to four feet off the ground and no more than three feet off any marked trail, but they may not be easy to find. Find out more at: https://www.homeofgolf.com/pinecone-pathways-2024/