Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest — Attraction in Snowbird Community

My wife, myself, and our cat Oscar. A tabby that adopted me in 2019, quite a unique young cat. We were accompanied by my daughter, her husband and their two Doberman Pinschers. We all enjoyed a two mile walk in the beautiful woods.

The trails are fairly easy to walk, even with my arthritis. We didn't even get lost. The woods are cool and refreshing. The dogs had the time of their lives. Romping and carrying on like young dogs do, Oscar was not impressed with their puppy-ish antics.

Oscar, a dark chocolate American tabby, walks with a harness, before this he had only been shopping, and on short walks in town. Oscar is very clever, it took him no time at all to figure out what we were doing, then he had a great time leading me, ad he usually follows.

I had carried him in for a a few minutes now and then, when he tired. But then he would insist to be on his feet again, and off he went. He walked most of the trail, stopping to smell everything and find holes in the ground, rocks, and trees, and put his head in.

Oscar's idea of tourism is smelling new and interesting places, and putting his head in every hole, crevice, drain pipe, and burrow he finds.

Leaving the Dobermans home would have been Oscar's preference, fortunately they were too busy enjoying themselves, and Oscar did not have to beat them...

We did both the lower and upper loops, two miles total. I'd consider the hike easy because it is rather short. But there were some slippery spots. (Also, it's hard to keep watching where you're going when you're busy staring up at the trees!)

We went the weekend before the fourth of July, so there were quite a few people on the trails but not too packed. Parking was a bit tight but we did find a spot. There's also overnight parking further down from the trailhead.

The giant tulip poplars were all amazing and the atmosphere felt so special. Don't quote me but I think these are some of the oldest trees on the east coast. My favorite part of the hike (in addition to all the large trees) was looking for mushrooms.

At the beginning of the trail, there are some reading materials about Joyce Kilmer, his poem ("Trees"), and the place in general - I highly recommend all to take a few mins to read the signs, it really sets the tone of the hike. The lower and upper loops form a figure 8, and there's a memorial for Joyce Kilmer in the middle where the...

This place will change your life, if you let it.

Go when it's raining or just after it rains and you may be able to see it alone. We did.

The trail will get muddy when it rains.....be prepared for it.

Near the top of the trail keep your eyes and ears peeled for a big hole in the ground, right beside the trail. There is an actual creek running down there underground. I believe its where a big root rotted out and created a tunnel where water could run. I could find no source and I could find no outlet. It was bonkers!

In another spot a stream jumped out of the ground only to jump back in 3 meters later, never to be seen again.

I'm amazed that people haven't carved their name all over the trees. People are so dependable that way, it's hard to fathom why the trees have been spared.

They are magnificent. There is one tree that has it's hollow core exposed on one side. You can climb inside the tree!

As always, please take care of...