Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

joyce kilmer national forest.jpg
5410 Joyce Kilmer Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771
5410 Joyce Kilmer Road Robbinsville North Carolina 28771 US

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is part of the Nantahala National Forest, approximately 3,800 acre tract of publicly owned virgin forest in Graham County, NC, near Robbinsville as a living memorial to the writer/poet Joyce Kilmer. Veterans of the Foreign Wars asked the government to set aside a fitting stand of trees to serve as a living memorial to Joyce Kilmer, who was killed in action during World War I. Although Kilmer was both a soldier and a poet, he is most remembered for his poetry about common, beautiful things in nature

One of the largest contiguous tracts of old growth forest in the Eastern United States, the area is administered by the U. S. Forest Service. The memorial is a rare example of old growth cove hardwood forest, a diverse type unique to the Appalachian Mountains. In 1975 the memorial forest was joined with a much larger tract of the Nantahala National Forest to become part of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness.

Due to a devastating disease of the American chestnut tree that caused a rapid, widespread die-off of the once plentiful tree from its historic range in the Eastern United States, the American chestnut, once the dominant tree of the forest, was affected by the chestnut blight. Although the last of the Kilmer chestnuts had probably died by the late 1930s, their wood is so rot-resistant that remnants of the massive logs and stumps are still visible.

Another more recent loss is that of the giant hemlocks due to an infestation of an exotic insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid. For safety of visitors from a falling limb or tree, Forest Service managers decided to bring down dead trees near the memorial trail in a way they believed would mimic natural blowdown. In November 2010, the Forest Service blew up the trees with explosives, making the lower loop trail much lighter and drier.

The best way to enjoy the impressive memorial forest is by doing the easy 2-mile hike to see the majestic Trees such as Sycamore, Beech, Basswood, Red and White Oaks and Hemlock. Some of the trees are over 400 years old and the oldest Yellow-Poplars are more than 20 ft (6.1 m) in circumference and stand 100 ft (30 m) tall. Aside from the trees there are also other variety of shrubs, vines, ferns, mosses and other plants to see. This popular family hiking destination features an easy two-mile, figure-eight trail and has two loops: the 1-1/4 miles lower loop passes the Joyce Kilmer Memorial plaque, and the upper ¾ mile loop swings through Poplar Cove, a grove of the largest trees.

The trailhead parking area has a flush toilet and picnic tables. No camping or overnight parking is allowed.

The only way to see the impressive memorial forest is on foot. The figure-eight Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail covers two miles and has two loops: the 1.25-mile lower loop passes the Joyce Kilmer Memorial plaque, and the upper 0.75-mile loop swings though Popular Cove – a grove of the forest’s largest trees. The trailhead parking area has a flush toilet and picnic tables. No camping or overnight parking is allowed.

Located about 15 miles from Robbinsville. Take Highway 129 North for 1½ miles to the junction with Highway 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Turn left on Highway 143 and travel approx 4 miles to a stop sign/T intersection. Turn right and drive for approx 7.3 miles and bear to the right at the junction of Santeetlah Gap and the Cherohala Skyway. Continue for another 2½ miles to the entrance of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest on your left.

joyce kilmer national forest.jpg 3 years ago
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911 Main St, Andrews, NC 28901, USA 12.38 mi

Hoppy Trout Brewing Co. began as an obsession with home brewing. Years of experimentation with ingredients and development of recipes prepared Brewmaster, Tom Rodeck, for brewing on a commercial scale. Hoppy Trout is a community brewery that mainely brews beer for consumption in the taproom, however this specialty, small batch beer can also be found on tap in a select few restaurants and bottle shops. Over the years Hoppy Trout beers have continued to garner accolades for their superb flavors, unique beers, and one-of-a-kind styles that set it apart from other breweries .

In addition to its distinguished beer Hoppy Trout’s kitchen features a custom made Sicilian style brick oven that bakes unique and delicious pizzas. The secret to this savory pizza is twofold-Hoppy Trout makes fresh homemade pizza dough daily and uses only fresh ingredients. In addition, customers will delight in savory panini sandwiches, fresh salads, and an array of diverse and delectable appetizers.

Hoppy Trout is not only a brewery and restaurant, but a place where locals and visitors alike come together for community and fun. Events during the week include a weekly Trivia Night where patrons test their wits and compete for prizes every Wednesday at 6:30pm. On Thursdays, the beer cascades from the taps a reduced rate of $4 per serving all day long! Other events such as comedy shows, home brewing competitions, and holiday parties makes Hoppy Trout a great place to visit for the whole family.

1130 Main St, Andrews, NC 28901, USA 12.4 mi
(828) 321-2900(828) 321-2900

Down-home pit stop dispensing a range of Southern classics & BBQ in cozy, rustic quarters.

300 Knoll Top, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 12.67 mi

In The Great Smoky Mountains Near Robbinsville, North Carolina

The Inn, our dream, is a true log home bed and breakfast. Sitting on top of a knoll overlooking the Stecoah Gap.  The 360 degree views are breathtaking. Less than a mile from the Appalachian Trail. Rooms are filled with primitive antique furniture along with several pieces faithfully hand-crafted by the innkeepers themselves.  The pavilion is a great spot to host weddings.

1679 Main Street, Andrews, NC 28901 12.7 mi
828-321-3785828-321-3785
386 West Stecoah Heights, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 12.86 mi

The Cabins in the Woods is a gorgeous property nestled above Stecoah Valley just off NC-28.  With some of the most spectacular scenery in Western North Carolina, we are situated in the center of all the outdoor activities you could want. The views are fantastic, and the laid back atmosphere makes your cares float away on a gentle mountain breeze.

195 Deer Run Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 13.36 mi
1751 NC-28, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 13.77 mi
(828) 479-8430(828) 479-8430

For years this place was known as “Tooties Cafe”, Stecoahs only resturant with some of the best food in Western NC. After years of great food and music entertainment, Tooties went out of buisness. A few years later the resturant was re-opened by three sisters known as Della Jordan, Kathy Cody and Teresa Carpenter and is now known as Stecoah Diner. Although Stecoah Diner does not have the music entertainment that Tooties had, it is still one of the best resturants to find great food in Western NC.

We are a local diner serving made from scratch dishes! With friendly service and a small town atmosphere! Be sure to stop in and see us

2097 NC-28, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 14.1 mi

The Kickstand Lodge is a motorcycle riders resort in Stecoah, North Carolina.Located in the Smoky Mountains, surrounded by the best riding in the southeast, the Kickstand Lodge is a great destination for a weekend get-away or a week long stay. There are plenty of attractions in the area to provide you with a new destination for each day of your visit to the Smoky Mountains.
Stay in one of our cabins, bunkhouses or pitch your own tent and enjoy the camaraderie of other motorcycle enthusiasts.

1755 Lower Stecoah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771 14.31 mi

Iron Horse Motorcycle Resort is located in western North Carolina, this secluded, 39-acre resort on Stecoah Creek is surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. The area has some of the best motorcycle riding in the world.

Iron Horse is minutes from the famous Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, the scenic mile-high Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner 28, Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee, Fontana Dam, and the Nantahala River Gorge. Whether you are on a cruiser, sport bike or dual sport, Iron Horse is where riders stay and play.

Reflecting the free spirit of the old west and of modern motorcyclists, Iron Horse is designed with a western flair offering a wide range of accommodations and facilities, including motorcycle camping.

250 Ridge View Drive, Andrews, NC 28901, USA 14.6 mi

Fernwood Cottage offers a different type of mountain lodging in the Andrews, Murphy,  North Carolina area — a vacation rental mountain lodge divided into two separate suites. Each suite is private with its own large living/dining/bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom with shower, handmade king-sized bed, plus queen sofa bed for additional guests and dining table for four. Separate heat and air-conditioning, free WiFi, satellite TV with DVD and VCR. Totally furnished, beautifully decorated and immaculately clean.

Don’t worry about rushing to the grocery store on arrival. A continental breakfast will be waiting for you on your first and second days. You have the privacy of your own cabin, but also the option to bring along friends and family and have the place to yourselves.

We’re Pet Friendly

344 Living Water Dr, Andrews, NC 28901, USA 14.77 mi

We found and purchased our first cabin in Andrews, NC in 2007. Since that time, we have added two more cabins for our guests to visit and enjoy what the area has to offer. Andrews is located in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Andrews is a beautiful and peaceful small town located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing spot to escape the pressures and stresses of everyday life, you have found your dream getaway. Take in the views of nature from your own private deck or relax in the hot tub while listening to the tranquil sounds of the water flowing down Collett Creek.

23797 U.S. 19, Topton, NC 28781, USA 14.89 mi

Nelson’s Nantahala Hideaway is nestled in the heart of the Nantahala forest at Topton, NC. Fidely Nelson settled our family here in the late 1800’s and we invite you to experience true Southern Appalachian hospitality at our campground and cabins surrounded by hiking, trout fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, horseback riding and more. After an exciting stay in the Nantahala gorge… enjoy rustic living and spend a relaxing evening around your own private campfire. Walk in the footsteps of the great Cherokee Chiefs and discover “what Fidely did” in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains.

68 Old Peachtree Rd, Marble, NC 28905, USA 15.57 mi

This is a beautiful campground. The owners are helpful . It is the type of mountain setting you look for and it delivers with a creek, trees and a river.

Such a nice place to stay. Each site is next to the river or the creek that runs through the property. Looked like every site had shade as well. The family works hard to keep the place well maintained and clean.

At the risk of losing the benefits of having this campground nearly to ourselves, we feel compelled to give the new owners the highest accolades. They are extremely responsive and have really spiffed things up. The campground itself is quaint and lovely, with a good size creek running through it and bordering the Valley River on one side. It is easy access just off Hwy. 74 outside of Marble (between Murphy and Andrews).

We love this little gem of a campground!

27395 Wayah Rd, Topton, NC 28781, USA 15.69 mi

Nantahala River Lodge, a unique riverfront, pet friendly cabin near Bryson City. Our 3 bedroom cabin by the river offers the best in Nantahala Lodging and is perfect for Families, Friends and Fishermen.

We custom designed and built our Nantahala River Lodge with reclaimed wood from our family’s North Carolina cabins and barn.  Native stone was used inside and out.  We furnished our home with handcrafted furniture and transformed family heirlooms into art.  Every detail was carefully considered as we blended our family history into the creation of the Nantahala River Lodge.  The Lodge offers accommodations for up to 8 people.  Every room offers a view of the river.  We encourage you to open the windows to bring the soothing river sounds indoors.

1612 Panther Creek Rd, Almond, NC 28702, USA 16.91 mi

Stay at one of the oldest private campgrounds in Western North Carolina. 80 plus years of peaceful relaxation. Tucked up in a valley at 2,000 ft. above sea level you will be next to a beautiful state stock Panther Creek that falls into Lake Fontana. Catch Rainbow trout , Brook trout, and Brown trout right from your camp site. Where the star’s are bigger and brighter because you are no where near city lights. No highway noise, just creek and crickets. Hiking trails from campground.

Feel the peace of God’s great Earthly Creation as your Cares float down the creek. Off the beaten Path, our valley is home to Panther Creek. We can’t wait to meet you!

We are just minutes away from some of the best things to do in the smokies. Fishing, water skiing and tubing in Lake Fontana, fast cars in Deal’s Gap and Tail of the Dragon, Whitewater rafting in the Nantahala river, The Smokey Mountain National Park, Deep creek tubing, Shopping in Bryson City, The Smokey Mountain Railroad, Joyce Kilmer Forest, Cherokee NC, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Tsali Mountain Bike recreational area and The Appalachian Trail.

61 Bear Creek Rd, Topton, NC 28781, USA 18.83 mi

The Perfect Mountain Cabin Getaway

Dreaming of a romantic getaway in a picture-perfect Smoky Mountain log cabin? That dream comes true at Cherokee Mountain Cabins — hand-crafted one, two and three-bedroom luxury cabin rentals near Nantahala Lake. Mountainside cabins. Creekside cabins. Rustic, romantic and elegant with no shortage of creature comforts —

  • Romantic Gift Packages
  • Concierge
  • Massage
  • Hot Tub
  • Pool Table
  • Outdoor Fireplace
  • Gourmet Kitchen

When you stay in our cabins, you’re in the middle of Western North Carolina’s great outdoor playground with whitewater rafting, zip lining, horseback riding, hiking, boating, fishing, golfing, mountain biking and scenic drives all at your doorstep.

Just above Cherokee Mountain Cabins, the beautiful Nantahala Lake is the second highest lake east of the Mississippi. And below our cabins, the Nantahala River offers world-class trout fishing and one of the south’s most popular whitewater sports venues.

13077 U.S. 19, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA 19.04 mi

Recently featured in Our State: North Carolina, River’s End Restaurant boasts a mouth-watering American-style cuisine. Start your morning with a savory sausage and egg biscuit or try the loaded down Fontana Hash-browns. Lunch and dinner won’t disappoint. Choices range from the appetizing burgers, the always-fresh sandwiches and salads, or the Appalachian Trail hikers’ favorite: Sherpa Rice. Stay awhile and choose from a large selection of beer and wine. Every seat has a view of the river, enjoy views of passing rafting guests and kayakers. River’s End is a dining experience not to be missed during your next NOC or Nantahala Gorge trip. For more information and to-go orders call 828.488.7172.

17838 Wayah Rd, Topton, NC 28781, USA 19.86 mi

Two Bedrooms, one bath beautiful Lake Nantahala lakefront cabin with all the extras. Queen Bed in Master, Twin Bunk Bed in Second Bedroom. Full Kitchen and Living Area with electric fireplace. Spacious porch. Beautiful outdoor covered Hot Tub, Grill, Outdoor Fire Pit and Private Dock. Enjoy a large private deck with plenty of space.

Beautiful mountain area, with all the needed conveniences at your fingertips.

Enjoy the facilities of Lakes End to include Café & Grill, Boat Rentals and Marina, Adventure Store, Volleyball, Horse Shoes and more. Free WiFi and local phone, and satellite Television in the living area.

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