Between the Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon stands 500 to 600 year old trees in a 3,800-acre old-growth hardwood forest named after journalist, poet and U.S. Army veteran Joyce Kilmer – author of the poem “Trees”. Many of these natural skyscrapers root as wide as fifteen feet wide or greater and tower 100 feet into the air. Mossy rocks, fallen specimens, a waterfall and an undulating loop trail welcomes all day-hikers – including leashed, four-legged companions - to experience the meditative, subterranean micro-climate. Tip: Naked Ground Trail - just off of Joyce Kilmer loop - leads into the Slickrock Wilderness for premiere, unspoiled backcountry hiking. Be advised, no overnight parking is permitted at the Memorial Forest.

The furthest of the three main regions of North Carolina, the mountains of southwestern North Carolina are home to Nantahala National Forest. This temperate rainforest’s name is derived from Cherokee Indians meaning “land of the noon day sun”. Better known for its dramatic and blazing fall colors of red, orange and yellow leaves, views at sunrise greet early-risers with gorgeous morning sun rays and fingers of cloudy “smoke” that weave through its peaks and valleys. Tip: Depending on your base camp, any one of the forest's three districts – Cheoah near Robbinsville, Tusquitee near Murphy and Nantahala near Franklin – provide spectacular scenery. Get ready for some some remarkable hiking, trail running, pedaling and/or paddling in and around this southeastern outdoor paradise!

Started in 2005, a community art project was realized into a culturally significant set of nineteen fiberglass sculptures that signifies the importance of bears in Cherokee culture. A symbol of strength and courage, each statue epitomizes various stories and legends of Cherokee culture. Six of the bears clockwise from top left depict: Eagle Dancer, Pottery, Harmony of Life, Bear on the Little Tennessee, Sequoyah and Patriot.