Take a tranquil walk in the woods and learn a little about the forest as you go. Just 4.5 miles from the very busy (and often over crowded) DuPont State Recreational Forest is much less known Holmes Educational State Forest. Find a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, exhibits and even talking trees! In addition to free admission, all of their programs and special tours are free. It's just 10 miles from downtown Hendersonville.
Your first stop should be the Forestry Center with exhibits about our natural forest environment. For more in-depth information, stop by the office at the entrance to the forest to talk to a ranger.
Open year round, the mountain slopes of the forest are filled with a very diverse collection of trees and wildflowers. The network of trails offers exploration for all fitness levels. The half-mile Talking Tree Trail has seven stops on gentle slopes with a short recorded message about one of the trees – fun for all ages.
The flat, easy half-mile Crab Creek Trail near the parking area features a Forest Service helicopter and the 1929 Spivey Fire Tower. The strenuous Demonstration Trail (2.85-mile loop) climbs the ridge with an overlook at top. The Soil & Water Trail (1/3 of a mile) showcases the importance of wetlands. Check their bulletin board for what wildflowers are in bloom (100+ species).
In addition to many picnic tables scattered under the towering trees, a picnic shelter with a massive stone fireplace is great for groups up to 60 people. It’s free to use, and if you'd like reserve just for your group call 828-692-0100. A few tables are accessible via a paved trail. No alcoholic beverages please!
Holmes is for hikers only, no bikes or horses are allowed. Pets are allowed on a leash.
Hours
- Open year round.
- Closed on Mondays.
- Hours vary by season. Visit website for details.
Directions
Street address: 1299 Crab Creek Road, Hendersonville, NC. Located 35 miles from downtown Asheville. Phone: 828-692-0100
Nearby
DuPont State Forest Waterfalls
(1 to 7 miles roundtrip, easy to moderate) This state forest has many miles of hiking trails. While there are quite a few waterfalls in DuPont, you can see three of the most impressive, Hooker… read more
(1 to 7 miles roundtrip, easy to moderate) This state forest has many miles of hiking trails. While there are quite a few waterfalls in DuPont, you can see three of the most impressive, Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls with a moderate 3-mile hike. And a 4.4-mile roundtrip hike takes you to Bridal Veil Falls. See three of the biggest falls on a 7-mile waterfall hike.
Hendersonville
The largest downtown in western North Carolina outside of Asheville is filled with historic buildings and updated streetscapes with flowers and art. Find many spots for outdoor dining and a big… read more
The largest downtown in western North Carolina outside of Asheville is filled with historic buildings and updated streetscapes with flowers and art. Find many spots for outdoor dining and a big variety of quality shops and galleries along a six-block stretch of Main Street. Don't miss two street festivals, the Garden Jubilee and the huge NC Apple Festival.
