Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness

Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness is a protected area spanning several thousand acres across the Nantahala National Forest and Cherokee National Forest. The region features extensive old-growth forest with mature trees and mountainous, densely forested terrain.

This forest was established as a memorial in the 1930s to honor Joyce Kilmer, an American soldier and poet who died in World War I. The protection of this land was meant to preserve his memory and safeguard the natural space for future generations.

The land has long been home to the Cherokee people, who maintained deep connections with these mountains and forests. Visitors can see places tied to this presence and understand how these landscapes shaped the lives of the original inhabitants.

The main access points are near Robbinsville, North Carolina, and Tellico Plains, Tennessee, with clearly marked trails for exploration. Visitors should be prepared for mountainous terrain and changing weather, bringing appropriate gear and planning accordingly.

The forest contains trees several hundred years old, among the largest and oldest in the region, reaching heights of over 100 feet. These ancient specimens offer a rare glimpse of a forest ecosystem that has grown naturally over centuries.

Location: North Carolina

Location: Tennessee

Inception: January 3, 1975

Shares border with: Citico Creek Wilderness

GPS coordinates: 35.37360,-83.97560

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:25