The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is a tribute to a hero whose poem "Trees"
inspired millions. Joyce Kilmer, who was killed in action in France in W.W.I, has a living
memorial in his memory, the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. The Forest Service inaugurated the Little
Santeelah, an impressive 3800 acre remnant of virgin wilderness, as the Joyce Kilmer
Memorial Forest and dedicated it July 30, 1935. In this most beautiful, unmarred, and
natural setting, that was the uncharted hunting ground of the Cherokee Indians, virgin
trees grow more than 100 feet tall and some 20 feet around the base. Many of the huge
trees are hundreds of years old. In addition to the trees there is an outstanding variety
of shrubs, vines, ferns, mosses, lichens, liverworts and herbaceous plants. In the spring
wild flowers take advantage of the sunlight which will not be available after the hardwood
trees are covered with shade-producing leaves. The Memorial Forest, comprised of the huge
poplars, giant red oaks and magnificent hemlocks, as well as many other varieties of
trees, is maintained in its primitive and natural state. No plants living or dead may be
cut or removed.
Walking trails inside the Memorial
Forest are suitable for all ages. There are more than 60 miles of hiking trails in this
14,000 acre wilderness area of Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness that follows the mountain
streams, misty waterfalls, flowing cascades, over bold, sharp peaks and ridge tops. The
longest trail through the Memorial Forest winds through the Forest to the site of the
largest of the virgin trees still standing.
Directions: Joyce Kilmer Memorial
Forest is located about 15 miles from Robbinsville in the western part of Graham County.
From Robbinsville, take Highway 129 North for 1½ miles to the junction with Highway 143
West (Massey Branch Road). Turn left and proceed West on Highway 143 for approximately 5.0
miles to a stop sign. Turn right onto Kilmer Road. You will drive for about 7.3 miles and
arrive at the top of Santeetlah Gap and the junction with the Cherohala Skyway. Bear to
your right and continue on for another 2½ miles to the entrance of the Joyce Kilmer
Memorial Forest. Turn left into the entrance and it is about ½ mile to the parking area.
There are picnic tables and restrooms available.
For more Forest information call:
(828)479-6431
Or write: Cheoah Ranger District
Route
1, Box 16-A
Robbinsville, NC 28771 |
