Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

Old-growth poplars — quiet figure-8 in the Nantahala

🚗 2–2½ hours from Johnson City · ~100 miles · Johnson City via Cherohala Skyway or US-129 from TN

Nature lovers Easy hikers Forest bathing

Best season: Spring–fall; summer cool under canopy

Getting there

Map shows Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, NC. Times vary from Kingsport and Bristol.

Joyce Kilmer is a memorial to the poet and WWI soldier — the forest is the story, with trees older than the United States.

The figure-8 loop is family-friendly; combine with Cherohala Skyway the same day if you start early.

Morning

Skyway approach

Drive Cherohala from Tellico; descend toward Robbinsville.

Midday

Figure-8 hike

1–2 hours under canopy; interpretive signs along loop.

Afternoon

Return via skyway

Lunch in Tellico Plains on loop back.