Tar Heel Travels State Forests For a pittance you can catch glimpses of the wilderness our state once was By Bill F. Hensley

North Carolina's ninth state forest, Mountain Island in Lincoln and Gaston counties, is set to open this year.

It’s a perfect time of year to discover the many splendors of the state you live in; to relax and enjoy scenic wonders you didn’t know existed; to commune with Mother Nature; to seek out a remote world that is peaceful and quiet. And for old-time sakes, do it on foot, the way the pioneers who settled the area did.

In case you didn’t know, there are 117 miles of hiking trails and nearly 50,000 pristine acres of North Carolina terrain just waiting for you to discover. At convenient locations around the state, outdoor lovers will find plenty of seemingly unexplored territory to hike, bike and, in some cases, camp, swim, go boating, hunt and fish.

All of this is available free or at a minimal charge at eight state forests that stretch from the mountains to the coast. A ninth forest will be added soon as the state’s recreational facilities continue to grow.

“My family and I, along with my Scout troop, have been enjoying state forests for years,” says Steve Tuttle, this magazine’s editor. “We like to hike and camp out, and we always come home with some fond memories.”

In addition to state forests, state parks and state recreation areas also provide unusual locales for outdoor activities. The forests, with their county and acreage, are: Dupont (Transylvania, 10,396); Holmes (Henderson, 235); Tuttle (Caldwell, 312); Rendezvous (Wilkes, 3,316); Jordan Lake (Chatham, 900); Clemmons (Johnston and Wake, 509); Bladen Lakes (Bladen, 33,115); Turnbull Creek (Bladen, 890); and soon to open, Mountain Island (Lincoln and Gaston, 1,600).

Hiking and nature studies are available at all state forests, but facilities for camping, fishing and hunting vary. The North Carolina Department of Forest Resources in Raleigh provide brochures that cover essential details on each state-owned forest.

One of the largest and most popular forests is DuPont, a strikingly beautiful site between Brevard and Hendersonville. It has more than 90 miles of gravel and dirt hiking trails that can be also be used for horseback riding and biking. There is no camping here, but fishing in the lakes and streams is permissible with a license, and hunting is by permit only in this scenic Little River Valley area.

Some of the most popular trails — rated easy, moderate and challenging — lead to such spectacular spots as Triple Falls, High Falls, Hooker Falls, Cedar Rock Mountain and Stone Mountain, each of which offers stunning views of the gorgeous mountain terrain.

“DuPont is a blend of a recreational and a working forest,” offers Bruce MacDonald, assistant forest supervisor of the department. “It has many attractions that include waterfalls, unforgettable scenery, lakes and streams, boating and, of course, hiking. We also use it as a working forest to demonstrate sound practices that include soil and water protection, wildlife and forest management.”

In the same mountain area is Gorges State Park, near Sapphire, one of the state’s newest facilities. It covers 7,100 acres of wilderness that includes a rugged gorge near the Eastern Continental Divide. There are picnic sites and opportunities for swimming, hiking, horseback riding and fishing. Primitive camping facilities are offered in an area that abounds with native flora and fauna.

“This part of the state has several state forests and parks that are a tremendous asset to an active public,” says Tim Lovelace, owner of the Greystone Inn on Lake Toxaway. “Before long we are going to make hiking and mountain biking as popular as golf, tennis and fishing. Greystone guests hike the surrounding property first and then seek additional challenges at places such as DuPont and along the rugged Horsepasture River.”

In the eastern part of the state, Bladen Lakes State Forest covers 33,115 acres that provide about everything but hiking. With proper permits, visitors can hunt, fish or camp. If walking in the woods is what you are seeking, however, nearby Turnbull Creek — also in Bladen County — has seven miles of dirt roads and a half-mile nature trail.

“The whole idea of state educational forests,” explains Jamie Kritzer, public information officer at NCDFR, “is to provide wholesome outdoor enjoyment for our citizens and visitors and to teach school children about the forest environment. The concept has been well received by teachers throughout the state who bring their classes out for a unique, memorable learning experience.”

Kritzer says that rangers are on hand to conduct classes in a number of environmental subjects. Each forest features self-guided trails that include exhibits, tree identification signs, an education center and a “talking tree” that tells you about itself. The forests and parks are especially popular with scouts because they provide a constant source of interesting programs on outdoor life. In many cases, the scouts have become actively involved by helping the state build shelters and camping areas, earning coveted merit badges in the process.

If you are looking for something different for the family to enjoy , put on your hiking boots, pack your sleeping bag, grab a fishing pole, and give Mother Nature a try in one of our state forests or parks. For more information, contact the N.C. Division of Forest Resources at 919-733-2162.

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