Due to a high level of demand and the overwhelming success of the Pinecone Pathways Program, its returning this autumn. In celebration of Great Trails Day in North Carolina on Saturday, October 21, the program will be available for a limited period of one day. Originally designed to support the statewide Year of the Trail campaign, the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) collaborated with Starworks, the renowned glassmakers in Star, to create 200 exquisite glass pinecones. These unique treasures were discreetly placed along various trails within Moore County.
A Thrilling Great Trails Day
For this special one-day event, the CVB, once again partnering with Starworks, aims to hide 10 glass pinecones on 10 distinct trails across the county. CVB President and CEO, Phil Werz, expressed his excitement for the program’s return, stating, “The overwhelming success of the spring Pinecone Pathways event far surpassed our expectations. Bringing it back for one day on Great Trail Day in North Carolina was the natural choice. During the previous event, we had visitors from Ohio, Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, and beyond exploring our area in search of a pinecone. We anticipate that residents of Moore County will also join in the hunt. We encourage everyone to plan a Sandhills weekend getaway and embark on a thrilling pinecone quest during Great Trails Day.”
Prizes You Could Win At This Fall Pinecone Pathways Event
Given the limited number of pinecones available, the CVB kindly asks that each finder keeps only one pinecone, while leaving any additional discoveries hidden along the trail. In addition to keeping their pinecone, finders will have the opportunity to claim an extra prize from the CVB. These prizes include two tickets to a practice round for the 2024 U.S. Open, two U.S. Open coffee mugs, two adult tickets for the Aberdeen, Carolina and Western Railroad Christmas Train, a complimentary experience at Double Eagle Golf, and various other exciting prizes and experiences. Each pinecone will be assigned a unique number linked to a specific prize. The CVB is open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and is conveniently located at 155 W. New York Ave., Suite 300 in Southern Pines.
To ensure the success of the event, the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has enlisted the assistance of individuals known as “pinecone hiders.” These individuals possess knowledge of the specific locations where pinecones will be hidden. The pinecones will be concealed at a maximum height of three to four feet from the ground and no more than three feet away from any marked trail. However, they will not be placed in plain sight to maintain a level of challenge. The exact trail locations will be revealed through CVB social media channels on the afternoon prior to Great Trail Day. Typically, the announced trails can be found in Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Pinebluff, Vass, Cameron, Robbins, Carthage, and Foxfire.
The Year Of The Trail In NC
The Year of the Trail is a celebration of North Carolina’s expansive network of trails, greenways, and blueways. The state’s diverse landscapes, including magnificent mountain views, peaceful rivers, lively urban greenways, coastal woodlands, and rolling Piedmont hills, are showcased. This statewide celebration of trails and outdoor recreation is the largest in North Carolina’s history.
North Carolina is often referred to as the Great Trails State, with the objective of ensuring that every county in the state can benefit from trails. These benefits include improved health, safety, economic development, tourism, transportation, and environmental preservation. Trails form the foundation of North Carolina’s growing outdoor recreation economy, which is valued at $28 billion.
In recognition of this initiative, the North Carolina General Assembly designated 2023 as the Year of the Trail, with the Great Trails State Coalition leading the effort. The coalition is composed of various organizations, agencies, and supporters who advocate for increased state investment in all types of trails, whether for hiking, paddling, mountain biking, equestrian activities, or paved pathways.
For additional information about the one-day Pinecone Pathways event, please visit the following homeofgolf.com. To learn more about the Moore County Trail Programs during the Year of the Trail, explore: Moore County Trail Programs.
About The Pinehurst Southern Pines Aberdeen Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) serves as the economic development agency responsible for promoting travel and tourism, fostering product development, and providing visitor services for Moore County, North Carolina. The CVB devises comprehensive strategies to enhance the county’s tourism brand value and product offerings, catering to the evolving needs of future visitors. This, in turn, stimulates the local economy, supports the county’s second-largest employment sector, and enhances the quality of life for both residents and visitors.
In 2022, Moore County ranked as the tenth-largest tourism economy in North Carolina, generating approximately $750 million in annual visitor spending. This significant economic contribution not only saves county residents around $516 annually in state and local taxes but also solidifies the county’s status as a sought-after tourist destination.
For more information about the one-day Pinecone Pathways event, please visit homeofgolf.com. To learn more about the Year of the Trail programs in Moore County, take a closer look at the Moore County Trail Programs here https://www.homeofgolf.com/moore-trails/.
