If you’re looking for a nature walk while visiting Murphy, NC, save some time to visit the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest - just a short drive over to neighboring Robbinsville, NC.
When the Veterans of the Foreign Wars asked the government to set aside a fitting stand of trees to serve as a living memorial to Joyce Kilmer, who was killed in action during World War I, this magnificent Memorial Park was established. Although Kilmer was both a soldier and a poet, he is most remembered for his poetry about common, beautiful things in nature. Kilmer's best known poem is “Trees.”
Joyce Kilmer is a nature trail and is great for novices or families with small children. The combined trail is a 2 mile figure eight loop and is very easy to follow. It is rated as an easy hiking trail with steps built into the trail and we've 
been out with many different age groups and all enjoyed the hike. The park estimates that with a group at a casual pace you should allow 1-2 hours. For the more aggressive hiker, 1 hour should be sufficient time.
Start out following the signs from the information shelter and you will soon cross the Little Santeetlah Creek footbridge and begin an ascent into an old growth forest. There are benches along the route where you can stop to admire this untouched forest. At the midway point in your hike you will come to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial where a simple biography of Joyce Kilmer is engraved on a bronze plaque. On the upper portion of the trail there is a stand of yellow poplars that are over 100 feet tall and measure 15 to 20 feet in circumference. These trees are one of the most spectacular features of the Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness Area.
We're sure you'll enjoy this time spent at the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Park so make sure to bring your camera!
Blooming for home buyers in Maryland.
Comments(2)