Marshall Forest, National Natural Landmark in Floyd County, Georgia.
Marshall Forest covers 311 acres (126 ha) in Floyd County, Georgia, about 5 miles outside Rome. It is one of the few remaining old-growth forests in Northwest Georgia, with trees reaching 600–900 feet in elevation. The forest supports more than 300 plant species and 55 tree species, including pine-oak, chestnut oak, and mixed hardwoods.
The land was acquired by the Marshall family in 1880 after previously being part of Cherokee Nation territory. It became Georgia's first officially designated National Natural Landmark in 1966.
The forest reflects the efforts of local conservationists who work to maintain its native plant life and control invasive species. Visitors walking the trails can see signs of this stewardship in the well-marked paths and labeled trees throughout the property.
Access to Marshall Forest is by appointment with The Nature Conservancy, so arrange a visit before travelling. Five self-guided trails lie mainly on the southwest side, with plant identification tags and 20 stop-and-observe stations signed in Braille and English. The Big Pine Braille Trail is designed for visually impaired visitors, and trails are left uncut so undergrowth reaches the path.
Marshall Forest holds Georgia's largest population of the endangered large-flowered skullcap and the second largest in the United States. The forest also shelters at least six species of snake, plus frogs, salamanders and dozens of kinds of birds.
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