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Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This forest is one of the Nation’s most impressive remnants of old-growth forest. The forest contains magnificent examples of more than 100 tree species, many over 400-years-old, and some more than 20 feet in circumference and 100 feet tall.
- 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 Memorial Forest is an approximately 3,800-acre tract of publicly owned virgin forest in Graham County, North Carolina, named in memory of poet Joyce Kilmer (1886–1918), best known for his poem "Trees".
- 3,800 acres (15 km²)
- 1936
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 ...
- Nantahala National Forest, Robbinsville, 28771, NC
- (828) 479-6431
Over 100 tree species define the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest as one of the most unique and varied forests on the east coast; its old-growth hardwood varieties can only be found in our Appalachian Mountains.
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Part of the Nantahala National Forest, the 3,800-acre Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is a paradise for walkers, with trails that lead beneath giant trees, some more than 300 years old. This tract escaped the lumbering of the 1920s that resulted in the clear-cutting of surrounding areas.
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.
