Green Swamp Preserve Pocosin Trail
Rare carnivorous plants and pristine wetlands
The Green Swamp Preserve Pocosin Trail threads through one of the largest intact pocosins on the Atlantic Coast, where Venus flytraps and pitcher plants thrive in acidic wetlands surrounded by longleaf pine savannas. This 18-mile network of sandy jeep roads managed by The Nature Conservancy provides access to pristine wetland ecosystems that once covered millions of acres across the Southeast. The main route follows old logging railroad grades from the 1920s, passing through stands of ancient bald cypress and crossing multiple creek systems where rare orchids bloom in spring and summer.
Easy to moderate difficulty on sandy roads that can become challenging in wet conditions when the sugar sand gets deep and boggy. Any high-clearance vehicle handles dry conditions, but 4WD recommended for wet season navigation. Best visited April through June for wildflowers and October through March to avoid mosquitoes and heat. The Nature Conservancy requires advance permission for vehicle access, and camping is not permitted. This route offers a rare glimpse into North Carolina’s disappearing coastal plain ecosystems and some of the best botanical diversity on the East Coast.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 85 ft |
| Best season | October-March |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Supply, NC |
| Land manager | The Nature Conservancy |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | nature.org |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lifted rig or will a stock high-clearance SUV handle the sand roads?
A stock high-clearance SUV works, but airing down tires to around 20 PSI is strongly advised — the sand can be deep and soft in spots, especially after rain. Low-range 4WD is helpful but the trail isn't technical. Don't show up in a standard sedan or crossover.
When should I avoid this trail and why does season matter so much here?
Summer is brutal — oppressive heat, humidity, and biting insects make it nearly unbearable. Stick to October through March when temps are manageable, bugs are down, and the carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps are easier to spot without fighting off swarms.
Is a permit required and who do I contact to get one?
Yes, a permit is required — this is Nature Conservancy land, not a free-for-all public trail. Contact The Nature Conservancy's North Carolina chapter directly through their website at nature.org to arrange access before you go.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The trail itself is rated easy, but soft sand sections are the main obstacle — vehicles without proper tire pressure management can get stuck fast. The real challenge is navigation; the sand road network through 16,000 acres is easy to get disoriented in with zero cell service.
There's no cell service — how do I navigate 18 miles of unmarked sand roads in a swamp?
Download offline maps before you leave — OnX Offroad or Gaia GPS with the area cached works. Bring a paper backup if you can. Supply, NC is your last real stop for fuel and provisions, so top off there before heading in.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.