Now known more for alpacas, this Pender place was a landmark for early explorers

How did this unincorporated rural community located at the Pender/Onslow County line get to be name, Maple Hill?

Located in the eastern area of Pender County, Maple Hill is said to have received its name from a large grove of maple trees standing on a hill, which were both uncommon in this typically low-lying area. Also, according to the late William S. Powell, noted North Carolina historian, the area was named by a member of the Ashe family.

Located high on that ridge, it was those trees that first served as a landmark for the explorers traveling up the Northeast Cape Fear River. The maple trees are no longer on that ridge.

Dorothy DeShields in the early 1980s was principal of Maple Hill Elementary School. The longtime area educator died in May 2020.

Located on 75 acres in Maple Hill, Carolina Pride Alpacas holds events showcasing its alpacas.

The community is home to two plant species of federally endangered status — the Golden Sedge and Cooley’s Meadowrue. It's also home to one of the few native settings of the Venus' flytrap.