All areas of Carolina Sandhills NWR are open to foot traffic. However, the following trails are maintained for public use.
Pool A Recreation Area
- Woodland Pond Nature Trail - One mile; passes through wetlands, upland pine habitat, and a small open area. Good area for songbirds; terminus connects with the Longleaf Pine Interpretive Trail across the Wildlife Drive.
- Longleaf Pine Trail - This 1/4 mile trail with interpretive signage focuses on the longleaf pine ecosystem.
- Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) Viewing Area - April through June, this observation area provides good opportunities for viewing red-cockaded woodpecker nesting and foraging activity. Please minimize disturbance to these endangered birds by staying at least 200 feet from cavity trees. All known cavity trees are marked with a white band of paint at eye level. In addition to RCW viewing, this area is an excellent example of the desired future conditions for the longleaf pine ecosystem - open, park-like habitat with multiple ages of longleaf pine and grasses, forbs and wildflowers as groundcover.
Martin's Lake Recreation Area - Picnic table, trails, boat ramp, and accessible photoblind and overlook. The lake edges provide excellent conditions for observing wading birds, otters, and small mammals. Visitors with a state-issued accessibility permit/placard may use the accessible parking area at both the photoblind on the north side of Martin's Lake and at the scenic overlook adjacent to Tate's Trail.
- Tate's Trail - Three miles in length, this trail runs parallel to Martin's Lake and Pool D, makes a loop around Lake 12, and culminates in the Lake Bee Recreation Area. The trail provides a good view of diverse habitats, including wetlands, bottomland hardwoods, upland pine-scrub oaks, and open pine-grassland areas.
- Tripod Trail - This 1/4-mile long trail leads to a photoblind. Interpretive signage along the way describes common wildlife and plants.
Lake Bee Recreation Area - Enjoy fishing, hiking, wildlife observation, and picnicking in this area. Three picnic shelters and dozens of tables, along with restrooms, are available. The lake edge provides good birding. Notable plants and animals found in this area include brown-headed nuthatches, several carnivorous plants, and the rare Pine Barrens tree frog, which may be heard from the Pitcher Plant Overlook on the west end of the lake. Nearby Pool H and Triple Lakes host wood ducks and other waterfowl in appropriate seasons.
- Tate's Trail - Three miles in length, access points are Martin's Lake Loop, Wildlife Drive at Pool D, Pine Barrens Gentian Trail, and Lake Bee Recreation Area.
- Pine Barrens Gentian Trail - A connector trail to the Tate's Trail, access this trail from the visitor's kiosk on Wildlife Drive located near the intersection with SC Highway 145. This trail follows a woods road for 0.7 miles to Lake 12 and is known for blooming Goat's Rue and Sandhills Lupine in spring and Pine Barrens Gentian in fall.
- Turpentine Educational Kiosk - Visit this kiosk to learn about the pines that built the south. A short walk from the kiosk are the remnants of a tar kiln where pine tar was collected, stored in barrels, and shipped via railway to coastal markets for use in ship building.
Oxpen Recreation Area - Home to white tailed deer, turkey, hawks, waterfowl, and small mammals. It is also a popular fishing area and home to a variety of wildflowers. The seepage bog near Oxpen Lake includes a large population of pitcher plants. An observation deck provides a scenic view. Listen for the characteristic call of the bobwhite quail May through July.