Search results
Get step-by-step walking or driving directions to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Avoid traffic with optimized routes.
Directions: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is located about 15 miles from Robbinsville. From Robbinsville, take Highway 129 North for 1½ miles to the junction with Highway 143 West (Massey Branch Road).
- History
- Hiking Trails
- Facilities
- Places to Stay
- Directions
While much of the forest around Western North Carolina was once logged and has since recovered or remains under active management, this area was spared the logger's axe. (Or chainsaw, as it were). It is one of the largest contiguous tracts of old growth forests in the Eastern US. The Little Santeetlah Creek basin, which now contains Joyce Kilmer Me...
Today, the basin is permanently protected as the Joyce Kilmer - Slickrock Wilderness and the area within the Little Santeetlah Creek basin is still given the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest designation. Most hikers stay on the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail. This 2 mile figure-eight loop trail begins at the main parking area and climbs into Poplar Cove, ...
The Joyce Kilmer parking area includes a few tables for picnicking, a restroom, and maps at the trailhead. There is no running water, so be sure to bring some for the hike. Parking is limited, so be sure to arrive early on those popular summer weekends to ensure you can get a spot.
Camping
Horse Cove Campground Located just a short distance from Joyce Kilmer and Santeetlah Lake, Horse Cove Campground has 18 campsites located beside a rushing mountain stream, Little Santeetlah Creek. Drinking water and vault toilets are available in the campground. A few sites remain open year-round, although no water is available in the winter. Sites are available only on a first-come basis. More information on fs.usda.gov Rattler Ford Group Campground Rattler Ford Group Campground, just a shor...
To Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail Parking
From Robbinsville, NC, there are signs directing you to the forest. Follow US Hwy. 129 North for 1.5 miles to NC 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Turn left and go 5.0 miles to a stop sign. Turn right onto Kilmer Road. Follow this road for 7.3 miles to Santeetlah Gap and the junction with the Cherohala Skyway straight ahead. Turn right; continue for another 2.5 miles. Turn left on the access road for Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest; it is about 1/2 mile to the parking area.
Joyce Kilmer Lower Loop Trail. Discover this 1.9-mile loop trail near Robbinsville, North Carolina. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 57 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
- (866)
- Robbinsville, North Carolina, United States
Directions To Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This map was created by a user. Learn how to create your own.
The hike offers stunning scenery, with a pristine forest and a tranquil atmosphere. The path is well-covered with leaves, which helps to reduce the mud. The stream is crossed in several places, with either rocks or bridges, keeping your feet dry.
People also ask
How do I get to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest?
How long is Joyce Kilmer National Park?
Where can I hike the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail?
Did Joyce Kilmer die in WW1?
Does Joyce Kilmer have a parking area?
How many types of trees are in the Kilmer forest?
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. The only way to see the impressive memorial forest is on foot. The figure-eight Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail covers 2 miles and has two loops: the 1-1/4-mile lower loop passes the Joyce Kilmer Memorial plaque, and the upper 3/4-mile loop swings through Poplar Cove, a grove of the largest trees. Who is the ...