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.