Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

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Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

Joyce Kilmer is one of the last remaining old growth forests, with trees that are said to be as much as 450 years old and 100 feet tall. They certainly are big trees. I visited with my brother Tim and his wife, Tara, at the start of August 2008.
Tim & Chris at Kilmer
Tree canopy at Joyce Kilmer

Tim & Chris on the trail at Kilmer The approach to the memorial at the center of the figure-8 trail is uphill, and the main trail has some elevation, but the entire 2 miles is easy-to-moderate and well worth the effort. You'll likely spend a lot of time stopping to consider the massive trees. Chris at Kilmer

It's another tree with a face! Log with face at Kilmer Moss-covered tree at Kilmer

Tree at Kilmer with goiters A stretch of the trail follows
Little Santeetlah Creek. Little Santeetlah Creek at Kilmer

In addition to the information kiosk, the parking area at the head
of the trail has picnic tables and flush toilets.
Kilmer info kiosk

Tara Nelson shot the other photos on this page.
Tara at Kilmer
Trees at Kilmer

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is off of N.C. 143 in Graham County. The brochure includes the map above.

Joyce Kilmer is one of the last remaining old growth forests, with trees that are said to be as much as 450 years old and 100 feet tall. They certainly are big trees. I visited with my brother Tim and his wife, Tara, at the start of August 2008.
The approach to the memorial at the center of the figure-8 trail is uphill, and the main trail has some elevation, but the entire 2 miles is easy-to-moderate and well worth the effort. You'll likely spend a lot of time stopping to consider the massive trees.