This NC travel guide highlights the amazing Pinecone Pathways event, which takes place every spring in Moore County (home to Aberdeen, Pinehurst, and Southern Pines).
Imagine you’re hiking on a quiet and peaceful trail in North Carolina and stumble upon a red, white, and blue glass pine cone. What has just happened?
First, you can take that beautiful piece of art home. Lastly, you will be entered to win the grand prize of a local scavenger hunt called Pinecone Pathways.
“What is Pinecone Pathways?” You say.
Pinecone Pathways is a special annual event where the trails in Moore County turn into a real-life treasure hunt. The folks at Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen first organized Pinecone Pathways in 2023 and it was a huge hit.
That’s why this event keeps coming back each year, usually with some added wrinkles.
Each year (except for 2024, see below), Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen has enlisted Starworks, a nearby nonprofit arts center, to create these beautiful glass pine cones.
Fun Tidbit: In 2024, Pinecone Pathways partnered with Seagrove Potter Crystal King to create Clay Pinecones.
Read More About the Seagrove Potters
When is Pinecone Pathways?
2026 Event Dates: March 20, 2026–April 22, 2026
Pinecone Pathways Official Website
For 2026, 100 hand-blown glass pinecones will be hidden along local paths throughout Moore County. 25 of those pine cones will be red, white, and blue to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Each Friday, Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen will share a trail list on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Follow NC Tripping on Social Media while you’re at it, okay?
Where Can You Find These Pinecones?
The short answer is Moore County in North Carolina’s Sandhills region.
If you’re unfamiliar with this area, Moore County is in a sweet spot that’s within two-hours of many places, including:
Are you from another place that’s within two hours of Moore County? Let us know in the comments!
Read More: Day Trips in North Carolina
What are the Prizes for 2026?
After you find one of these special pinecones, you’ll register it online, and that will enter you into a drawing for a grand prize that includes a two-night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott near Southern Pines and Pinehurst in Aberdeen.
Pinecone Pathways Rules
The official Pinecone Pathways Page has a full list of rules, but here are some Cliff Notes of the most important ones (to us).
- All ages are welcome to join the hunt, but only registered finders 21 or older are eligible to win the Grand Prize.
- Only one pinecone per household.
- Pinecones will never be hidden on private property, so please stay on the trail and adhere to the other Leave No Trace principles while searching for pinecones.
Good Luck!
I hope you’re able to get out there and search for some pinecones. We hope everyone finds one. If you are one of those lucky people who find a pinecone, please let us know in the comments!
If you try and don’t succeed, we hope you enjoy your time in the great outdoors of Moore County.
Some of our favorite outdoor spaces are there, including Weymouth Woods, Reservoir Park, and the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. We look forward to exploring these favorites and more while sharing them with you here and on social media.
Until then, here are some more ways to explore Moore County and its most popular places to visit.
More North Carolina Travel Guides
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