William and Lynne McDuffie named their daughter River — a nod to the couple’s shared love for water recreation. “I grew up paddling in Bear Creek,” William says, referring to the tributary of the Deep River that traverses Moore and Randolph counties. When he and Lynne met in college, they paddled together, and after they married, they got into flat-water and white-water canoe racing — adventures that took them all over the country — Maine, Colorado, Michigan, New York.
“I cannot say enough about paddle sports and how family oriented they are,” he says. Their daughter competed in her own paddle race at the age of five. “We wanted to bring that to Robbins so other people can experience without having to travel.”
Moore County has more than 30 trails allowing people to hike, bike, paddleboard, kayak, or bird watch among many other activities. From Robbins to Aberdeen, trails are abundant along with places to stay and dine once the outdoor adventure concludes.
Now, as part of the core group that founded Foothills Outdoors, a nonprofit that promotes outdoor recreation in northern Moore County, the McDuffies welcome lovers of nature to explore the land William roamed as a child. Since opening 150 acres of family land to the public in 2006, they’ve developed hiking and mountain biking trails, built a disc golf course, and launched races ranging from 5Ks to ultramarathons.
The McDuffies believe in the healing power that comes from being in nature and encourage visitors to explore the outdoors at their own pace. They shared suggestions for ways to experience Moore County’s wild beauty in a weekend, from trailways to waterways. Read on for their Friday to Sunday itinerary.
Rest your head at Solomon’s Inn in Robbins after a day of adventures. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
At the northern end of Moore County, the land surrounding Bear Creek feels distinct from the sandy, pine-dominated landscapes to the south. “There’s a big dividing line in the sand,” William says — no pun intended. “We do have those large pines, but we also have the oak, sycamore, beech, and birch trees. We called our nonprofit Foothills Outdoors because we’re considered the foothills of the Uwharrie Mountain range.”
For a quick immersion into nature, plan to spend your first night stargazing. Pitch a tent at Bear Creek or book one of the three rooms at the nearby Solomon’s Inn in downtown Robbins.
Top off your feast at Carolina Fried Chicken with an apple turnover or homemade milkshake. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
While you wait for the sun to set, William recommends a few dinner options. Little Village is known for its legendary pancakes, but it also serves dinner on Thursday and Friday nights, with sandwiches and classics like hamburger steak and barbecue. If you’re in the mood for fried chicken, head over to Carolina Fried Chicken. It’s open everyday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. While they’re known for their namesake, William is also partial to their pizza and spaghetti.
The McDuffies host a full-moon stargazing hike each spring, but the trails are open for independent exploration, too; just bring a headlamp. “Robbins is in the middle of nowhere, and it’s very dark. There are no lights on the trail,” William says.
After the sun sets, walk along the Reservoir Loop Trail and look to the skies for a clear view of the stars. Photography courtesy of Foothills Outdoors
Park at the disc golf parking area and follow the Reservoir Loop Trail about a half mile to the water. The flat and easy hike follows a gravel path. Once you arrive, the sky opens wide above the reservoir, unobstructed by city lights. On clear nights, constellations shine brightly and curves of the Milky Way often stretch across the horizon.
Before taking to the trails, stop by Robbins Cafe for a buttery biscuit with bacon, egg, and cheese. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Fuel up for the day with a biscuit breakfast at Robbins Cafe (or opt for pancakes at Little Village), then return to Bear Creek. In the spring, mountain laurel lines the trails and its subtle fragrance lingers in the air.
Even by day, you’ll feel like you have Bear Creek all to yourself. People spread out across activities — fishing, disc golf, biking, running, and hiking. There’s even a small bouldering wall and shallow water areas for play. With so many trails to explore, you could go an entire day and not run into another person or family.
Starworks encourages visitors to venture outside and find hidden works of art along local trails. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Each spring, the Pinecone Pathways scavenger hunt draws participants from across the region in search of 100 colorful glass pinecones. Each is handblown by glassmakers at the nearby Starworks studio, and they’re hidden weekly from late March up to Earth Day in April, with weekly trail lists shared on Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen’s social media pages to help locate the treasures.
The McDuffies are among the select few who hide these limited-edition treasures. “People get excited when we start dropping hints,” Lynn says. “We hide them along the 10-mile super-loop. When someone finds one in Robbins, they know they’ve found something special.”
William adds that the event has brought more visitors to Bear Creek trails than ever before. “Even the guys from the fire department come out hunting at night with their headlamps.”
After your morning in the foothills, drive south to Southern Pines, where you can pause for a relaxed lunch along Broad Street. “You could eat somewhere different every day for two months,” Lynn says. “The options are all excellent.”
After lunch, visit Reservoir Park, where towering pines surround a 95-acre lake. On warm spring days, the park is especially lively, with locals out enjoying the sunshine.
You can walk the loop trail around the lake or explore the peaceful waters by boat. Motorized craft aren’t allowed, so the calm, no-wake shoreline is approachable for all skill levels. To drift, fish, or paddle at your leisure, rent a kayak or paddleboard for the day from the WakeRack locker.
The gazebo at Aberdeen Lake Park offers a place to rest with a quiet waterside view. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Drive about 15 minutes farther south to downtown Aberdeen, where railroad history shapes the streets and historic storefronts. Begin your visit with a stroll around Aberdeen Lake Park. “I’m 64, and I remember swimming there — it was where everybody hung out,” William says.
While swimming is no longer allowed, the park remains a gathering place. From sunrise to sunset, locals fish, paddle, play on the playground, and compete on the pickleball courts, continuing a decades-long tradition of outdoor recreation.
A day of adventuring requires a delicious reward! Take a bite out of a cheesy slice at Pizzeria Grazia and grab a scoop — or two! — at Sweet Carolina Ice Cream. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Next, gear up for an evening of dining around downtown Aberdeen. Think, appetizers and drinks at The Workshop Tavern and dinner at Pizzeria Grazia, and dessert at Sweet Carolina Ice Cream.
The towering pines at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve offer cool cover from the spring sun. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
The McDuffies agree that no outdoor itinerary in Moore County is complete without a visit to Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve. Just outside of Southern Pines, this state park offers a rare glimpse into the historic longleaf pine ecosystem that’s home to red-cockaded woodpeckers, fox squirrels, and centuries-old trees.
Before your weekend comes to a close, take about 30 minutes to walk the 1.4-mile Round Timber Trail, a peaceful loop through mature longleaf pines, where ancient giants stand alongside eager saplings.
Like the McDuffies — and the daughter they named for the water — you may find your own family memories beginning here, shaped by days spent exploring Moore County’s trails, lakes, and skies. Click here to plan your adventure.
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