About Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Trails
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, near Robbinsville in the Nantahala National Forest, protects a large stand of old-growth cove forest and is named for the poet who wrote "Trees." The main loop is roughly 2 miles and fairly gentle, passing giant tulip poplars, hemlocks and other trees that survived the logging era. It is not in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The hike
The trail follows a creek, crossing it on footbridges, and the forest floor is covered with ferns and moss. Plan on a slow walk; most people spend 1.5 to 2 hours. A longer route connects to the Slickrock Creek area and wilderness.
When to go
Spring and fall are best. Summer is cool and shaded.
Getting there
The forest is reached from Robbinsville by a narrow mountain road. A national park parking tag is not needed here.
Know before you go
Bring water and bug repellent in summer. Check the Forest Service page for conditions.
Visiting the national park too?
If you are also spending time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, these hikes are good companions:
- Grotto Falls: a 2.6-mile round trip to a waterfall you can walk behind
- Oconaluftee River Trail: an easy riverside walk near Cherokee
- Big Creek Trail: a quiet walk to Midnight Hole and Mouse Creek Falls
Planning and safety
This is an easy outing, so it works for an hour or a whole afternoon. Keep the pace relaxed, bring a snack, and plan a nearby stop to make a half-day of it. Weekday mornings are the quietest, and the light is softest early and late.
Land outside the national park is managed separately, so check the land manager's page for closures, fees and seasonal road access before you drive. Carry a map, since cell service is limited, and bring water, rain gear and a charged phone.
Good to know
- How long is Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Trails?
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Trails is 2 miles one way. It is rated easy.
