Joyce kilmer forest directions

As one of the most popular areas for hiking within the Cheoah Ranger District, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest can also lay claim to being a top hiking destinations across all of southwestern NC.

This area contains an impressive remnant of virgin forest, representative of the vast Eastern forests that used to stretch from the Atlantic to the Mississippi and beyond.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest - Visit North Carolina

Exceptionally large trees of more than 100 species grow in the rich cove environment, protecting the headwaters of the rushing stream as it heads toward the blue-green depths of Santeetlah Lake.

While a verdant carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers rise from the forest floor and logs of fallen giants past, the largest living trees rise to heights of well over 100 ft with circumferences of up to 20 ft.

Some of them are estimated to be over 400 years old. It remains a cherished and unique piece of Old Growth forest among the Southern Appalachian mountains.

History

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