Tuttle Educational State Forest

Tuttle Educational State Forest is a protected woodland covering about 288 acres in Lenoir with several hiking trails winding through the property. The paths connect visitors to native plants and interpretive displays that explain how the local forest works.

Lelia Judson Tuttle, an American missionary and educator, donated the initial 168 acres for this forest in 1956. The site has since expanded and developed as a place for teaching about forest management and conservation.

The forest functions as an outdoor classroom where students and visitors learn about forestry practices, wildlife management, and natural resource conservation.

The forest has clearly marked trails of different difficulty levels suitable for various fitness levels. Bring water and sturdy footwear, as the ground can be damp especially after rain.

The forest displays a cross-section of a Water Oak tree around 175 years old that shows visitors how to read tree rings and understand the tree's history. This exhibit helps people see how long trees live and what events they experienced during their lifetime.

Location: North Carolina

Website: http://ncesf.org/TESF/home.htm

GPS coordinates: 35.85333,-81.63750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22