The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness is a pristine and rugged expanse of old-growth forests and towering cliffs in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is a designated old-growth forest that is home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the Eastern United States. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the 2-mile figure-eight trail that winds through the forest, passing by towering tulip poplars, oaks, and other hardwood trees. The forest is a peaceful and serene place to reconnect with nature and marvel at the beauty of these ancient giants.
The Slickrock Creek Trail is a popular hiking trail that follows the banks of Slickrock Creek, offering stunning views of waterfalls, cascades, and lush greenery. The trail is known for its challenging terrain and rugged beauty, making it a favorite among experienced hikers and backpackers. The trail is approximately 13 miles long and can be hiked as a day trip or a multi-day backpacking adventure.
Hangover Mountain is a prominent peak in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike to the summit of Hangover Mountain is strenuous but rewarding, with the opportunity to spot wildlife such as black bears, deer, and birds of prey along the way. The summit provides a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch and soak in the stunning vistas.
Naked Ground is a unique rock outcrop in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness that offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The exposed rock surface provides a stark contrast to the dense forest that surrounds it, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while taking in the beauty of the wilderness below.
Description: Anicient Tulip-tree Liriodendron tulipifera grove in Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.
Image by Notneb82 – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia
Description: Scope and content: The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: Mossy rocks and abundant water characterize the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. Location: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, North Carolina (35.347° N 83.918° W) Status: Public domain. Photo by Bill Lea
Image by Unknown authorUnknown author or not provided – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Sunlight penetrates the dense forest canopy over Little Santeetlah Creek in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Part of the Nantahala National Forest and the Slickrock Wilderness, the 3840-acre memorial area is one of the few remaining examples of old growth hardwood forest in the eastern United States. The forest is home to many poplar, beech, sycamore and oak trees, some of which exceed 20 feet in circumference, and are thought to be over 400 years old.Photo taken with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 in Graham County, NC, USA.
Image by Ken Thomas – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Sunlight penetrates the dense forest canopy over Little Santeetlah Creek in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Part of the Nantahala National Forest and the Slickrock Wilderness, the 3840-acre memorial area is one of the few remaining examples of old growth hardwood forest in the eastern United States. The forest is home to many poplar, beech, sycamore and oak trees, some of which exceed 20 feet in circumference, and are thought to be over 400 years old.Photo taken with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 in Graham County, NC, USA.
Image by Ken Thomas – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Sunlight penetrates the dense forest canopy in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Part of the Nantahala National Forest and the Slickrock Wilderness, the 3840-acre memorial area is one of the few remaining examples of old growth hardwood forest in the eastern United States. The forest is home to many poplar, beech, sycamore and oak trees, some of which exceed 20 feet in circumference, and are thought to be over 400 years old.Photo taken with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 in Graham County, NC, USA.
Image by Ken Thomas – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: This memorial to American poet Joyce Kilmer stands near the center of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Part of the Nantahala National Forest and the Slickrock Wilderness, the 3840-acre memorial area is one of the few remaining examples of old growth hardwood forest in the eastern United States. The forest is home to many poplar, beech, sycamore and oak trees, some of which exceed 20 feet in circumference, and are thought to be over 400 years old.Photo taken with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 in Graham County, NC, USA.
Image by Ken Thomas – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: A 180° (approximate) view looking generally northwest in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Part of the Nantahala National Forest and the Slickrock Wilderness, the 3840-acre memorial area is one of the few remaining examples of old growth hardwood forest in the eastern United States. The forest is home to many poplar, beech, sycamore and oak trees, some of which exceed 20 feet in circumference, and are thought to be over 400 years old.Panoramic image compiled with Autostitch from 18 individual photographs, taken in Graham County, North Carolina, USA with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 mounted to a Panosaurus tripod head.
Image by Ken Thomas – Public domain – Wikimedia
Description: Slickrock Creek in Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness Area.
Image by Chris M Morris – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: View of Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness Area and hangover Mountain.
Image by Chris M Morris – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia