Drive west for about 3 hours from Charlotte and you’ll run into one of America’s most untouched and ancient woodlands – the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This magical place hosts over 100 varied species of trees, some of which are as old as 400 years and reach heights in excess of 100 feet.
Spanning an impressive 3,800 acres, this expansive woodland was designated as a protected national forest in 1936. The forest serves as a tribute to Joyce Kilmer, the writer of the poem “Trees”, who tragically lost his life while serving with the Allies in WW1.
The forest’s trees are not merely ancient and lofty, but also notable for their substantial girth, with some measuring over 20 feet around (wide enough to drive a small car through).
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The park includes a 2 mile walking trail that crosses a moss covered bridge and a waterfall;
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is located in Robbinsville, NC. It’s open year-round and admission to the park is free.
You can check out more about the park Learn more at this here on the US National Forest Service’s website.
