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Places We Protect

Calloway Forest Preserve

North Carolina

Red-cockaded woodpecker on a tree with a small cavity.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker Federally endangered species is making a comeback in NC. © Brady Beck

Healthy Longleaf Pine Habitat

Calloway Forest Preserve is home to Red-cockaded woodpeckers and many other species of longleaf pine habitat.

Viewing

Overview

Description

Longleaf pine was once the dominant coastal plain tree in the Southeastern United States, with 90 million acres of longleaf forest stretching from southern Virginia to eastern Texas. At its low point, there were just three million acres of longleaf. Today, that figure has grown to 5.2 million acres thanks to the efforts of TNC and its conservation partners. Calloway Forest is a good place to see healthy longleaf forests. The preserve protects 2,812 acres of Longleaf pine habitat. You can enjoy it by hiking our 6.75-mile loop trail. 

If you enjoy a moderately rough, natural trail, this is the place for you. You will start at the parking area. The road into the preserve is gated, which is closed except during hunting season, however pedestrians and horseback riders can access the preserve through an opening to the left of the gate.  The trail follows a sand road that winds through a longleaf pine-turkey oak upland habitat and has a mostly even terrain for the first mile. Then, you will descend into a drainage area that has a hardwood canopy and denser vegetation. The road surface in this area is eroded and uneven, slanting to the sides. You may need to hike around eroded areas and holes.

As you ascend from the drainage to the upland section of the preserve, you’ll notice the forest structure starts opening up—this is characteristic of a longleaf pine savanna. From this point forward, the trail is again mostly even with slight undulations. Occasionally, visible tree roots cross the road, which can be a tripping hazard.

Calloway Forest Preserve is in various stages of restoration, and you will be able to appreciate that during your visit. It is also common to see snags of dead trees; please be careful not to stand below them, as limbs can break and fall. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow the trail—Calloway is a large preserve, and it’s easy to get lost. More information on how to prepare for your visit to Calloway is available in our ‘Visit Us’ section.

Calloway Forest Preserve is adjacent to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), a military installation. Please be aware that you might hear gunfire as the military trains year-round. The preserve is also open for hunting during hunting season. Please check the ‘Hunting’ section for dates and more information before you plan your trip.

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Pedestrian and equestrian trail.

Hours

Calloway Forest is open from dawn to dusk every day.

Highlights

Walk along longleaf pine communities, isolated wetlands, sandhill seeps and blackwater streams. You can spot red-cockaded woodpeckers, Bachman’s sparrows, Pine barren tree frogs, Northern pine snakes, wild turkeys, Sandhills pyxie moss, Sandhills lupine, autumn gentian and red pitcher plants.

Size

2,812 acres.

Explore our work in North Carolina

Conservation Highlights

Longleaf pine was harvested for lumber, turpentine, tar and pitch. North Carolina’s nickname, the “Tarheel State,” is a result of that industry. To ensure quality timber products, fire suppression and exclusion became widespread, which only further degraded the health of the forests. 

The popularity of pine straw mulch in the 20th century also harmed the forest. The production of desirable pine straw required the use of herbicides which damaged soils, native plants and overall forest health. Unfortunately, this forest decline also affected animal species including bobwhite quail and the now federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. At the time TNC started managing the preserve, five woodpecker families nested and bred on the property. By 2023, the population has grown to twelve families.

Forests of longleaf pine require fire to thrive. Indigenous people set fires to improve habitat. These fires also helped to keep otherwise advantageous hardwood species in check, allowing them to resprout and provide fresh forage for wildlife. Today TNC is using fire to restore and manage longleaf pine habitat here at Calloway and across southeastern North Carolina. Controlled burns improve for a range of animals including Red-cockaded woodpeckers, fox squirrels, Bachman’s sparrows, pine barren tree frogs, and bobcats. Burning also removes invasive plants and clears the ground from the previous use of herbicides. TNC collaborates with the Department of Defense to protect and manage longleaf pine near military installations such as Fort Liberty. As a result of this partnership,  the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program was created, allowing the military to fund land protection off-base in the surrounding region, expanding longleaf corridors for Red-cockaded woodpeckers. REPI is now working across the country to conserve land near other military bases, including at Camp Lejeune.

You can contribute to TNC’s effort of restoring Calloway by participating in volunteer events such as those organized to collect and spread wiregrass seed. Check out the ‘Get Involved’ section for more information. If you own property with longleaf pine and want to learn how to manage it, click here.

Photos from Calloway Forest Preserve

Tag us on your pictures at Calloway on Instagram with @tnc_nc to have your photos featured!

Red-cockaded woodpecker close headshot.
Trees with fall colors.
Longleaf pine savanna during sunset.
Purple wildflowers.
Longleaf pine burning during a prescribed fire.
Pyxie moss.
Volunteer cutting wiregrass.
Yellow tall pitcher plant with a fly on top of one.
Drone picture of a controlled burn.
Longleaf pine savanna with smoke.
Red-cockaded woodpecker close headshot.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker : The Conservancy works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Defense on a program to recover the Red-cockaded woodpecker population. © Carlton Ward Jr.

Trees with fall colors.

Longleaf Pine Savanna: Calloway Forest Preserve during the fall. © John Warner

Longleaf pine savanna during sunset.

Longleaf Pine Savanna: This is a fire-adapted habitat. Controlled burning clears the forest floor, allowing light to come in and helping native plants to grow. © John Warner

Purple wildflowers.

Bird Foot Violet: (Viola pedata). Wildflower found at Calloway Forest Preserve. © Gretchen Coll

Longleaf pine burning during a prescribed fire.

Controlled Burn: Fire crew during a controlled burn at Calloway Forest Preserve. © Sydney Bezanson

Pyxie moss.

Pyxie Moss: A rare subshrub native to the Sandhills region. © Sophia Torres

Volunteer cutting wiregrass.

Wiregrass Seed Collecting: Volunteer event held in the fall at Calloway Forest Preserve. © Sophia Torres

Yellow tall pitcher plant with a fly on top of one.

Yellow Pitcher Plant: Carnivorous (insectivorous) plant at Green Swamp Preserve. © Kristin Rahn

Drone picture of a controlled burn.

Controlled burn: Longleaf pine habitat needs frequent fires to thrive. © Margaret Fields

Longleaf pine savanna with smoke.

Longleaf Pine Savanna: Calloway Forest Preserve during a controlled burn. © Sydney Bezanson

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Preserve Guidelines

For your safety and to minimize disturbance to state-protected and endangered species that call the preserve home, please follow these important guidelines: 

  • The trail can only be accessed by walking or horseback riding. ATVs, all terrain vehicles, and bikes are prohibited at all times. During hunting season only, hunters are allowed to drive their vehicles.

  • Keep pets leashed.

  • Wear sturdy close-toed shoes.

  • Check the weather. In the summer the weather can be very hot and humid with heat indexes well into the 100s. It is vital that you bring water and plan for a trip in the morning or late afternoon on these days. 

  • Please do not remove flagging as it is related to TNC’s work. 

  • Restrooms and trash cans are not available in the preserve. So please plan ahead: pack it in, pack it out.

  • Wear insect repellant to protect against ticks and mosquitoes. Be on the lookout for poison oak.

  • Stay on the trail. You can easily get lost if you leave the trail. You can also harm sensitive habitat when you leave the trail.

  • Camping is not permitted.

  • Overnight parking is not permitted.

Contact our Sandhills Field Office at (910) 246-0300 for more information about Calloway.

Calloway Forest Preserve Trail

Stay on the trail and enjoy this beautiful place.

Calloway Forest Preserve entrance view from the street.
Trail entrance is marked by a yellow circle. The gate is closed, but pedestrians can still access the trail.
Sandy trail surrounded by shruby vegetation.
Rough, eroded trail.
Calloway Forest Preserve entrance view from the street.

Calloway Forest Preserve: Entrance to the parking area. © Sophia Torres

Trail entrance is marked by a yellow circle. The gate is closed, but pedestrians can still access the trail.

Trail signage: Calloway Forest Preserve is open to the public. It is a pedestrian and equestrian trail. © Sophia Torres

Sandy trail surrounded by shruby vegetation.

Calloway Forest Preserve Trail: Calloway offers a 4.5-mile trail loop. This first mile is like the picture: flat and sandy with some visible roots. © Sophia Torres

Rough, eroded trail.

Calloway Forest Preserve: Rough and natural trail. © Sophia Torres

Trail Details

The preserve protects 2,812 acres of Longleaf pine habitat, and you can enjoy it by hiking our 6.75-mile loop trail. If you enjoy a moderately rough, natural trail, this is the place for you. Download the preserve map for better navigation. You can import it in the Avenza app. 

You will start at the parking area. The road into the preserve is gated, which is closed except during hunting season, however pedestrians and horseback riders can access the preserve through an opening to the left of the gate. The trail follows a sand road that winds through a longleaf pine-turkey oak upland habitat and has a mostly even terrain for the first mile. Then, you will descend into a drainage area that has a hardwood canopy and denser vegetation. The road surface in this area is eroded and uneven, slanting to the sides. You may need to hike around eroded areas and holes. As you ascend from the drainage to the upland section of the preserve, you’ll notice the forest structure starts opening up – this is characteristic of a Longleaf pine savanna habitat. From this point forward, the trail is again mostly even with slight undulations. Occasionally, visible tree roots cross the road, which can be a tripping hazard. You will be able to walk around it. Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

The trail can be used as an equestrian trail, however parking for horse trailers is limited.  Equestrian use is not allowed on open hunting season dates or when controlled burns are being conducted near the trail.

Get Involved

Connect with nature and be part of our conservation work.

  • Woman collecting wiregrass.

    Wire Grass Seed Collecting

    Wiregrass is crucial in the longleaf pine forest. By collecting wiregrass seeds, we can restore ground cover in degraded longleaf habitats. We organize three seed-collecting days in the fall. Stay informed: rhonda.sturgill@tnc.org.

  • Cake that says happy birthday old tree.

    Party for the Pine Event

    Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve has the oldest living longleaf pine in the world and every year we come together to celebrate its birthday! Enjoy a day full of activities and information about longleaf pine. https://friendsofwewo.org/ Save the date: October 5th 2024 at Halyburton Park

  • White flower.

    Support our Work

    Join our mission and be part of this conservation project. Donate to North Carolina

Visit Calloway Forest Preserve

  • The preserve protects 2,812 acres of Longleaf pine habitat, and you can enjoy it by hiking our 6.75-mile loop trail. If you enjoy a moderately rough, natural trail, this is the place for you. Download the preserve map for better navigation. You can import it in the Avenza app. 

    You will start at the parking area. The road into the preserve is gated, which is closed except during hunting season, however pedestrians and horseback riders can access the preserve through an opening to the left of the gate. The trail follows a sand road that winds through a longleaf pine-turkey oak upland habitat and has a mostly even terrain for the first mile. Then, you will descend into a drainage area that has a hardwood canopy and denser vegetation. The road surface in this area is eroded and uneven, slanting to the sides. You may need to hike around eroded areas and holes. As you ascend from the drainage to the upland section of the preserve, you’ll notice the forest structure starts opening up – this is characteristic of a Longleaf pine savanna habitat. From this point forward, the trail is again mostly even with slight undulations. Occasionally, visible tree roots cross the road, which can be a tripping hazard. You will be able to walk around it. Please wear closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

    The trail can be used as an equestrian trail, however parking for horse trailers is limited.  Equestrian use is not allowed on open hunting season dates or when controlled burns are being conducted near the trail.

  • Hunters need the proper license to hunt in North Carolina and in addition to that they need a permit to hunt on Calloway from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NC WRC). The area near the parking lot is off-limits to hunters; this area is reserved strictly for passive recreation (hiking, picnicking, etc.). Calloway’s game lands are part of NC WRC as Rockfish Creek. Game Lands.  Click here to learn more about hunting regulations.

    Rockfish Creek Game Land – hunting season

    • Gun Deer Season: Open days during Nov. 11 – Dec. 9.

    • Archery Season: Open days during Sept. 9 – Oct. 27.

    • Blackpowder Season: Open days during Oct. 28 – Nov. 8 (Antlered or antlerless deer may be taken on these days.)

    • Gun Antlerless Deer Season: Nov. 11 (introductory season)

    • The use of dogs for hunting deer is prohibited.

    • Turkey hunting is by permit only.

    • Taking fox squirrels is prohibited.

    • Target shooting is prohibited.

      Download the preserve map which indicates no-hunting zones. You can import it in the Avenza app.

  • Wire grass seed collecting 

    Wiregrass plays a crucial role in the longleaf pine forest as the primary fuel for controlled burns. By collecting wiregrass seeds, we can restore groundcover in degraded longleaf habitat.
    If you’re interested in helping, we organize three seed collecting days in the fall. The specific dates depend on the weather. To stay informed about these opportunities, please email Rhonda Sturgill at rhonda.sturgill@tnc.org. 

    Party for the Pine event 

    Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve has the oldest living longleaf pine in the world and every year we come together to celebrate its birthday! Enjoy a day full of activities for kids, cool information about longleaf and conservation, a controlled burn demonstration, a guided hike, and cake. 

    Location: Boyd Tract Meadow of Weymouth Woods, 555 E Connecticut Av. Southern Pines, NC 28388.

    Check the website for more information:

    https://friendsofwewo.org/ 

    Donate

    Join our mission and protect beautiful places, such as Calloway Forest Preserve.

    Click here to learn more

  • For your  safety and to minimize disturbance to state protected and endangered species that call the preserve home, please follow these important guidelines: 

    • The trail can only be accessed by walking or horseback riding. ATVs, all terrain vehicles, and bikes are prohibited at all times. During hunting season only, hunters are allowed to drive their vehicles.

    • Keep pets leashed.

    • Wear sturdy close-toed shoes. 

    • Check the weather. In the summer the weather can be very hot and humid with heat indexes well into the 100s. It is vital that you bring water and plan for a trip in the morning or late afternoon on these days. 

    • Please do not remove flagging as it is related to TNC’s work. 

    • Restrooms and trash cans are not available in the preserve. So please plan ahead: pack it in, pack it out.

    • Wear insect repellant to protect against ticks and mosquitoes. Be on the lookout for poison oak. 

    • Stay on the trail. You can easily get lost if you leave the trail. You can also harm sensitive habitat when you leave the trail.

    • Camping is not permitted.

    • Overnight parking is not permitted.

     
    Contact our Sandhills Field Office at (910) 246-0300 for more information about Calloway.

Controlled burn Longleaf pine habitat needs frequent fires to thrive. © Margaret Fields
Red-cockaded woodpecker cavity Burn Boss Angie Carl leading a pre-burn brief at the preserve. © Sophia Torres
Red-cockaded Woodpecker Sundews are one of 14 insectivorous plant species found in the preserve. © Carlton Ward Jr.
Longleaf Pine Savanna Calloway Forest Preserve during a controlled burn. © Sydney Bezanson
Red-cockaded Woodpecker A mixed pine savannah comprised of longleaf, planted pines and native grasses in the preserve. © Brady Beck
Standing Tall A longleaf pine tree emerging from the smoke of a controlled burn in North Carolina's Green Swamp. © Anne Liles
× Controlled burn Longleaf pine habitat needs frequent fires to thrive. © Margaret Fields
× Red-cockaded woodpecker cavity Burn Boss Angie Carl leading a pre-burn brief at the preserve. © Sophia Torres
× Red-cockaded Woodpecker Sundews are one of 14 insectivorous plant species found in the preserve. © Carlton Ward Jr.
× Longleaf Pine Savanna Calloway Forest Preserve during a controlled burn. © Sydney Bezanson
× Red-cockaded Woodpecker A mixed pine savannah comprised of longleaf, planted pines and native grasses in the preserve. © Brady Beck
× Standing Tall A longleaf pine tree emerging from the smoke of a controlled burn in North Carolina's Green Swamp. © Anne Liles

Find More Places We Protect

The Nature Conservancy owns nearly 1,500 preserves covering more than 2.5 million acres across all 50 states. These lands protect wildlife and natural systems, serve as living laboratories for innovative science and connect people to the natural world.

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