The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest preserves one of the last remaining stands of old-growth temperate forest in the eastern United States. The trees here — tulip poplars, hemlocks, sycamores, and oaks — were never logged, and many of them are 400 years old or more, reaching heights of 100 feet with trunks measuring 20 feet around. Walking through is a genuinely humbling experience.
The memorial loop trail is about 2 miles and well-maintained. It passes through two distinct sections of forest, with the most impressive old-growth in the second half. The trail is moderate and suitable for most hikers. The forest is part of the Nantahala National Forest; there is no fee and no facilities beyond basic parking. Go on a weekday to have the trails largely to yourself. The forest is spectacular in autumn when the canopy turns gold and orange above the ancient trunks.