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One of the most diverse, intact ecological areas in the world, the Sandhills region of North Carolina is a narrow strip of ancient beach dunes dividing the Piedmont from the Coastal Plain.

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Because this type of intact ecosystem is so rare, and the history so rich, the Sandhills Heritage Gateway project was formed to educate visitors and locals alike, as well as help preserve this precious area. The purpose of this project is to weave together the natural and cultural history, to tell the story of how the land was formed and how it formed our human experience that continues to this day.

The Sandhills Heritage Gateway is comprised of sections from three designated scenic byways, each one illustrating a different chapter of the story:

INDIAN HERITAGE TRAIL

The Indian Heritage Trail captures a vivid slice of Native American history as well as a strong agriculture heritage in the Southeast.

POTTERY COUNTRY

World-renowned, Pottery Highway bridges together most distinctly the coastal plain and the Piedmont, illustrating the story of Highland Scot and English settlers.

PINELAND TRAIL

Intersecting Pottery Highway, Pineland Trail travels along parts of the old historic Plank Road, early routes of commerce in the region.