Overview
Land for the White Pines Nature Preserve was purchased in 1986 by the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC), a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to identify and protect important open spaces in several counties. White Pines has been expanded several times and currently has two miles of trails on 275 acres. The preserve is located at the confluence of Rocky and Deep Rivers and contains an ecology typical of more mountainous regions. White Pines is not usually trafficked heavily and trail maintenance can be somewhat wanting. Spiders seem to be unusually abundant in some areas and hikers may need to watch for webs.
Wildlife
White-tailed deer, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, skunks, fish, freshwater mussels, snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, lizards, skinks, songbirds, hummingbirds, bats, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, black vultures, turkey vultures, geese, ducks, wild turkeys, butterflies, moths, dragonflies, damselflies, spiders, grasshoppers, and crickets.
Plant Life
Mushrooms, azaleas, wildflowers, poison oak, poison ivy, river birches, ironwoods, dogwoods, beech trees, oak trees, pine trees, and red maples.
Landmarks
There are two landmarks noted on the official Preserve maps—the David Howell Memorial and the Old Cable Bridge. The only remnant of the cable bridge seems to be a single braided steel cable.
Location
The White Pines Nature Preserve is located 8 miles south of Pittsboro in Chatham County. From Raleigh/Durham, take 64W towards Asheboro/Pittsboro. Take the US 15/501 exit and turn left onto US 15/501. Once around the Chatham County Courthouse traffic circle, follow US 15/501 for 8 miles and then turn left onto River Fork Road (SR
1958). Turn immediately right and drive about 1.7 miles. Turn right at the stop sign and continue 0.5
miles to the TLC Preserve sign. Turn left and the parking area will be down a bit to your right.
Hours
Dawn - Dusk
External Links 
TLC's White Pines
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