Dupont State Forest - http://www.dupontforest.com

The DuPont State Forest is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains between Hendersonville and Brevard, North Carolina. Its 10,400 acres of forest feature four major waterfalls on the Little River and several on the Grassy Creek. The original 7,600 acre forest was established in 1996 through a generous bargain sale from the DuPont Corporation. In 2000, the Forest was expanded by two property additions, including the spectacular 2200 acre tract in the center of the Forest containing High Falls, Triple Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The property is presently open to hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking (see maps, trail guide and user policies at http://www.dupontforest.com).

Located southeast of Brevard in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the 10,400 acre Dupont State Forest (DSF) offers almost 100 miles of trails and several unique waterfalls and other attractions. Some trails pass over large expanses of solid rock on large granite domes. Others twist through the woods, offering more traditional Carolina style. Trails are multi-use (biking, hiking, and equestrian) and they are well signed and well marked.

There are five main parking areas at DSF: at Guion Farm, Hooker Falls, Buck Forest Gate, Fawn Lake, and Corn Mill Shoals. Each has portable toilet facilities and an information board, displaying good advice for using the area, rules and regulations, events, and a good map.

The DuPont State Forest can be accessed from Hendersonville via Kanuga/Crab Creek Rd, from Asheville/Brevard via US64 and Little River Rd, or from Greenville/Brevard via Cedar Mountain and Cascade Lake Rd.

Holmes Educational State Forest

USGS Map: Standing Stone Mountain

1299 Crab Creek Road
Hendersonville, N.C., 28739
(828) 692-0100, e-mail: holmesesf@ncmail.net

To get to Holmes State Forest from downtown Hendersonville take US 25 south .5 mile till it meets with Caswell Street, turn right onto Caswell Street which will become Kanuga Road (SR 1127). Go approximately 10 miles and Holmes State Forest will be on the drivers left. From Penrose on US 64 take Featherstone Creek Road for 2.6 miles onto Little River . Turn left onto Crab Creek Road that will become Kanuga Road. The entrance to Holmes State Forest is 4.2 miles away on the driver’s right. There will be signs on US 64 to help.

The Holmes Educational State Forest is named after the states first state forester, John S Holmes (1868-1958). In the 1930’s this 231 acre plot was used by the civilian conservation corps as a camp, and in 1972 it became a recognized state forest. The park has facilitates for picnicking, hiking, nature study and primitive camping on the mountain top. The forest center and trail map board is located .1 mile from the parking lot. The forestry center informs hikers and picnickers of bathroom facilities and established picnic grounds. The Holmes Talking Tree Trail and Cliffside Demonstration Trail are also shown on the map board. The Cliffside Demonstration Trail (red blaze) is a 2.8 mile loop trail that circles the mountain to the campground at the top. A less difficult trail can be accessible by most handicapped is the Holmes Talking Tree Trail which had a green blaze. This .8 mile loop trail has audio devices that explain the function, value and historical use of the native trees in the area.

http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/esf/hesf/hesf_home.htm

Rendezvous Mountains

Is 147 acres of mountain forest in Wilkes County. It is located 1-1/2 miles off County 1348 near Purlear.