Abbey Nature Preserve

Description

Abbey Nature Preserve protects about 62 acres of woods, fields, and millpond off Scotts Hill Loop Road, directly behind Poplar Grove Historic House & Museum. Pender County Parks & Recreation operates the preserve under conservation easements held by the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust, and admission is free.

The county describes roughly 1.5 miles of sandy nature trail, and connected loops on both sides of the water extend the walk considerably further. A wooden walkway crosses the 10-acre pond and an overlook deck looks out over it, which makes a short, manageable turnaround point for younger walkers. Trails run through old-growth oak and longleaf pine, past cypress at the pond edge and former agricultural fields growing back in. Birdwatching is good year-round.

The trail carries real history. Pender County notes it was traversed for more than three centuries by the enslaved community of Poplar Grove, and the site sits within the Gullah Geechee National Heritage Corridor. It is dedicated to the memory of Margaret Abbey Foy Moore.

Practical notes: the entrance at 1035 Scotts Hill Loop Road opened in November 2023 with a gravel lot holding about 40 vehicles. Restrooms are portable. Leashed dogs are welcome. Footing is packed sand and dirt with some roots. Pairs naturally with Poplar Grove next door for a half-day outing.