Basics
- Length:
- 46 miles (74 km)
- Time:
- 1 hour
- Fees:
- There is no fee to drive the byway individual attractions may charge.
Description
This byways' name originates from a series of low rolling hills located between the Cape Fear and Pee Dee Rivers. Settled by Scottish Highlanders around 1740, the area was named for the coarse sandy soil. Along the route visitors can stop at the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve in Southern Pines. Here is the last remaining cluster of ancient long leaf pines which covered the sandhills until the logging of the 18th Century nearly wiped them out. The surrounding swamp forest also houses rare plants and animals while the forest has regenerated with the faster growing shortleaf pine. Also found on the byway are Morrow Mountain State Park and Lake Tillery, a fine resource for the state's recreation enthusiasts.
Tourism Resources
Helpful Links
Tourism Resources
Points of Interest
Points of Interest Along The Way
Morrow Mountain State Park (NC)
Morrow Mtn. State Park lies in the Uwharrie Mountains and on the shores of Lake Tillery. Fishing, boating, camping and hiking opportunities are plentiful.
Directions
Morrow Mtn. State Park is on the western edge of Uwharrie Nat'l. Forest, four miles north of the Sandhills Scenic Byway.
Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge (NC)
The Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is home to more than 260 different species of wildlife, including 168 migratory birds. It is also the nesting area for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
Directions
From Albemarle, head south on Highway 52 for about 15 miles. The wildlife refuge is on the west side of the Pee Dee River.
Uwharrie National Forest (NC)
Uwharrie National Forest is the only National Forest in central North Carolina. It is home to Badin Lake and the Uwharrie National Recreation Trail--a 20 mile trail that winds through the Uwharrie Mountains.
Directions
Sandhills Scenic Byway winds through the Uwharrie National Forest between Lake Tillery and Biscoe.
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve (NC)
The Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve gives travelers a chance to stretch their legs and learn about the wildlife and vegetation in the region. This 898-acre natural preserve is home to several endangered species.
Directions
Travel south from Carthage on Highway 15/501 for ten miles.
