Holmes Educational State Forest is a small tract of woodlands, about 235 acres in all, adjoining DuPont State Forest between the towns of Brevard and Hendersonville. The property was purchased in pieces between 1938 and 1942 and was originally formed as a State Park. Over the following decades the land was used by both the State of North Carolina and the U.S. Forest Service for the study of forest management practices. Along with North Carolina's six other <i>Educational</i> State Forests, Holmes is now managed primarily as an environmental classroom. With the wildly popular and, at times, overcrowded DuPont State Forest next door Holmes Educational State Forest is all but ignored despite the fact that most people visiting DuPont drive right by it. This means that Holmes offers a nice quiet alternative on a summer day for a walk in the Southern Appalachian forest.

I'll admit it, I had up to this point been guilty of overlooking Holmes Educational State Forest as well. It wasn't until recently when I tried to get some more information about it online and discovered pathetically little (come on North Carolina, you can give these state forests better websites!) that I decided to do my part and put together my own version of a tour. On this visit I'd be hiking around 4 of the 5-miles of hiking trails within the forest. Along these trails (all of which are lined with a plethora of interpretive signage) I was able to see old Forest Service fire fighting equipment, tour the exhibits of a small Forestry Center, and walk the properties most famous path, that of the Talking Trees where a push of a button makes the trees 'talk' and share a bit about themselves and their contributions to the surrounding woodlands. I found Holmes to be quite scenic and incredibly informative. It is certainly worthy of much more attention than it appears to receive. Come on along with me to see what I discovered and, if you're in the area, I'd highly recommend you stop by and check it out for yourself...

Trailhead GPS Coordinates:35.239387, -82.579772

Route Type: Loop Difficulty: MODERATE

Hike Length: ~4.0 miles Hike Duration: 2:00

Trailhead Temp: 85'F Trail Traffic: 5-10 people

Min. Elevation: 2,200' Max. Elevation: 2,640'

Total Vertical Gain: 650' Avg. Elevation Gain / Mile: 163'

Holmes Educational State Forest, Henderson County (7-30-15)

Holmes Educational State Forest Entrance
This is the main entrance to the forest off Crab Creek Road between Brevard and Hendersonville...
Holmes Educational State Forest Trailhead
Despite the dry weather (although, admittedly, it was a bit hot) I found myself the only car in the parking lot. I found that kind of sad considering the positive reputation of the park...
Crab Creek Trail
I decided that, at only 0.5 miles in length, I shouldn't ignore this short trail alongside the parking lot...
Crab Creek Trail
For half its length the path follows along its namesake stream, though its only visible through the bushes once or twice...
Crab Creek Trail
This trail leads through what was once a small tree nursery...
Crab Creek Trail
I soon reached the highlight of this short trail, a large field where an old Forest Service helicopter, a fire plow, and replica fire tower are on display...
NC Forest Service Bell UH-1H Huey Fire Helicopter
The State of North Carolina currently operates three of these type helicopters along with two other copters of a different type. They are used primarily to transport fire crews and for dumping retardant...
NC Forest Service Bell UH-1H Huey Fire Helicopter
The State of North Carolina currently operates three of these type helicopters along with two other copters of a different type. They are used primarily to transport fire crews and for dumping retardant...
NC Forest Service Tractor-Plow Unit
This strange looking contraption was used by fire fighting crews to create firebreaks, which remove ignitable fuel from the path of a wildfire...
Old Spivey Mountain Fire Tower
This small tower is only the upper portion of the 35' steel structure which once stood atop Spivey Mountain in neighboring Buncombe County. Built in 1928, it was one of the first steel fire towers built in the state...
Crab Creek Trail
Walking the back half of the loop I found myself passing through a small White Pine plantation...one of many in the forest I would soon discover...
Crab Creek Trail
Arriving back at the picnic area and parking lot, I closed out the quick Crab Creek Loop. Now I was off to visit the forests longer paths...
Holmes Educational State Forest Main Trailhead
Heading uphill from the parking lot trails split off in every direction. I'd be heading straight ahead to visit the Forestry Center before heading out...
Holmes State Forest Informational Kiosk
Within a few dozen steps of the car I passed this large informational kiosk which gives a good overview of what can be found within the park...
Holmes State Forest Informational Kiosk
A relief map at the kiosk provides a good overview of my plan for the afternoon. I would ascend in a clockwise direction from the Forestry Center via the Demonstration Trail and then utilize the Wildcat Rock and Talking Tree Trails to complete the loop...
Forestry Center Access Trail
About halfway up the hill to the center I passed this little hut containing a cross-cut section of a massive old Red Oak which, when it fell, was well over 200-years old...
Forestry Center Access Trail
Approaching the Forestry Center...
Holmes Educational State Forest - Forestry Center
I have to admit, I was expecting more but I tried to reserve judgement until I went inside...
Holmes Educational State Forest - Forestry Center
Though small, I have to give credit to what is found inside. No doubt a serious lack of funding won't allow for much more (or a staff for that matter!) but what there was was very well arranged, concise, and interesting...
My Intended Route...
My plan was to ascend in a clockwise direction the Demonstration Trail and then use the Wildcat Rock and Talking Tree Trails to complete the loop...
Demonstration - Talking Tree Trail Junction
Leaving the Forestry Center, I set out on my 'strenuous' loop...
Demonstration Trail
Two hours for thee miles? Yeah, i think I can do that...
Demonstration Trail - Station #1
There are 13 interpretive 'stations' along this trail. As I head through this album I'll share what I found at each (Station #1 is just an intro to the trail)...
Demonstration Trail
The first short ways the trail is flat as it follows along the base of the ridge, passing on a couple of occasions old wooden gates like this one...
Demonstration Trail - Station #2
"As you walk along notice the rich soil, healthy forest, wildflowers, and signs of wildlife activity. This mountainside was 'selectively cut' in 1969. The logging and road construction was done with the protection of water, soil, wildlife, timber, and aesthetic value in mind..."
(from trail interpretive brochure)
Demonstration Trail
I wish I was a bit more knowledgeable about mushrooms but I'm afraid I can't positively ID this bunch. If someone out there can help me out I'd appreciate it...
Demonstration Trail
Beyond Station #2 the trail immediately begins to climb, quite steeply as a matter-of-fact. For the next mile I would continue to climb, though this first section before the overlook was the steepest...
Demonstration Trail - 'The North Slope' Signpost
Coolest Side of the Mountain: The North Slope -- "Knowledge about a forest begins with knowledge about the land. Land which faces a northerly direction receives the least amount of sunlight. There will be an abundance of plants on these sites because most prefer the moist, cool conditions. As you climb this north slope notice the abundance and variety of plants."
Demonstration Trail
The terrain here was remarkably steep and the trail ascended via a series of long, steep at times, switchbacks...
Demonstration Trail - C.C.C. Signpost
C.C.C. -- "This mountain-side trail was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939. The organization was created by Franklin Roosevelt during the depression years. The men lived in the valley, daily using this trail while going to and from work."
Demonstration Trail
Looking down the steep, thickly forested slope I was ascending...
Demonstration Trail
One of the many steep switchbacks the trail makes as it ascends from the Forestry Center to the observation deck...
Demonstration Trail - Observation Deck - Station #3
"Welcome to the Observation Deck! I know you are glad to see this place after that climb! You have just completed the most difficult section of this trail. This is an enjoyable place to rest and sit quietly, listen to the forest sounds and enjoy the woodland views."

Unfortunately, I found that this observation deck had long since lost its 'observation'. Winter might find some limited views but it was just a thick canopy of trees to be seen this summer day...
Demonstration Trail - Observation Deck - Station #3
"Welcome to the Observation Deck! I know you are glad to see this place after that climb! You have just completed the most difficult section of this trail. This is an enjoyable place to rest and sit quietly, listen to the forest sounds and enjoy the woodland views."

Unfortunately, I found that this observation deck had long since lost its 'observation'. Winter might find some limited views but it was just a thick canopy of trees to be seen this summer day...
Demonstration Trail - Station #4
"This food, water, and shelter area is known as an ANIMALS HABITAT. There are many species of animals in this forest. More frequently seen are gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, skunks, opossums, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, whitetail deer, foxes, hawks, crows, and scores of other bird species. Food plots are established throughout this forest to provide cover and food for small animals and birds. Wildlife food plots are also good for erosion control, on areas such as soil banks, logging roads, or any area where soil is exposed."
(from trail interpretive brochure)
Orange Coral Mushroom
Again, a positive ID is hard to come by with my limited knowledge but I'm pretty sure this one belongs to the group known as 'corals'...
Demonstration Trail - Campground Road Access Split
A little under a mile in I passed the side path over to the campground access road...
Demonstration Trail - Station #5
"As you left the logging road and came down the hill, you entered a pure stand of Eastern White Pine. These trees grow in the mountains and extreme upper Piedmont of North Carolina and northward through New England and the Great Lakes region. These trees commonly grow to heights of 100 feet and reach economic mautrity in 50 to 60 years. The wood is used for furniture, house framing, siding, trim, and molding. White Pine seeds make up a large portion of the winter diet of squirrels, chickadees, and mice. Bluebirds also use the needles when building their nests."
(from trail interpretive brochure)
Demonstration Trail - Wolf Tree Signpost
Wolf Tree -- "A "Wolf Tree" is usually an older, large tree with many widely spread limbs. It seldom has worth as a source of wood products, but does have aesthetic value and can produce large quantities of "mast" for wildlife. Wolf trees take water, nutrients, and space from smaller surrounding trees. The decision to cut or leave depends on the landowner's forest management goals."
Cranefly Orchid
Tipularia discolor
Demonstration Trail
By this point the trail had moderated considerably as it wandered along the upper portion of the ridge...
Demonstration Trail
In this area I passed a series of short bridges which span narrow drainages that are no doubt full of water in wetter weather...
Demonstration - Short Cut Trail Junction
If desired, one could hang a right here and cut the length of the loop in half by utilizing the aptly named Short Cut Trail. I was in this for the long haul, however, so I continued on to the left...
Demonstration Trail
Following what seemed to be another old logging road along a broad, wet ravine...
Demonstration Trail - Station #6
"Yellow Poplar, or Tuliptree, distinguished by its excellent form and rapid growth, is one of the taller and more valuable trees. It is widely distributed throughout the United States. Yellow Poplar reaches a height of 80 to 100 feet. It has a straight trunk that is free of limbs for much of its length. Indians and settlers made dugout canoes from them. A Yellow Poplar may live 250 years or more. Though called a Yellow Poplar because of its light colored wood, it is really a member of the Magnolia family. Yellow Poplars grow ideally in moist soils, along streams, or in mountain coves."
(from trail interpretive brochure)
Demonstration Trail - Station #6
"Yellow Poplar, or Tuliptree, distinguished by its excellent form and rapid growth, is one of the taller and more valuable trees. It is widely distributed throughout the United States. Yellow Poplar reaches a height of 80 to 100 feet. It has a straight trunk that is free of limbs for much of its length. Indians and settlers made dugout canoes from them. A Yellow Poplar may live 250 years or more. Though called a Yellow Poplar because of its light colored wood, it is really a member of the Magnolia family. Yellow Poplars grow ideally in moist soils, along streams, or in mountain coves."
(from trail interpretive brochure)
Demonstration Trail - Station #7
"Ponds, whether natural or man-made, are teeming with life and are excellent places for learning and discovery. Many species of plants, animals, and insects live in or are directly influenced by the pond community. The health of the pond, the food chains, and the balances associated with it are all dependent on many interrelated factors, many of which can be upset by the careless activities of man. These variables include the water and oxygen and carbon dioxide content, water clarity, temperature, Ph level, and others. Direct or indirect manipulation of the pond environment which changes any of these factors, or destroys a section of the food chain can adversely effect all of the life found here."
(from trail interpretive brochure)

dwhike

Holmes Educational State Forest (7-30-15)

Holmes Educational State Forest, Henderson County (7-30-15)