When I was a kid in the 5th grade, I had to memorize a poem entitled "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer. Forty+ years later I find myself in a wonderful forest dedicated to the man and his poem. The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest near Robbinsville, North Carolina is a magical place. There are over 100 species of trees here with some over 400 years old and 20-feet in circumference. A two-mile, figure 8 trail makes hiking this 3,800-acre forest very enjoyable.
The Lower Trail Loop is quite beautiful and relaxing. You will want to walk the Upper Trail Loop to see all the monster old growth giant yellow-poplars stretching over 100-feet into the sky. Go ahead and give them a hug. You know you want to.
There is much to explore but be careful. The trails are primitively maintained. Ankle twisting roots are everywhere and you wouldn't want to squish any critters on the trail. The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is one of my most favorite places that we have visited.
