Whiteside located between Highlands and Cashiers off U.S. Highway 64. Whiteside Mountain stands as a landmark along the eastern continental divide. It rises more than 2,100 feet from the valley floor to the summit at 4,930 feet. The south face contains magnificent sheer cliffs ranging from 400 feet to 750 feet in height. A 2-mile loop trail takes hikers along the ridge of the mountain and provides spectacular views to the east, south and west. Caution is advised with small children and pets.
Beech Creek Seed Orchard supplies the southern Appalachian forests with improved tree seed for reforestation. These genetically improved seed of white, shortleaf and Virginia pine provide foresters with an opportunity to grow more and better wood on our National Forests. The orchard has extensive hardwood clone banks of black cherry, oak and yellow-poplar. The orchard is located west of Murphy off Forest Road 307.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial is one of the nation's most impressive remnants of old-growth forest. It contains magnificent examples of over 100 species of trees, many over 300-years-old, and some over 20 feet in circumference and 100 feet high. This 3,800-acre area was set aside in 1936 as a memorial to Joyce Kilmer, the soldier/poet and author of the poem "Trees," who was killed in action in France during World War I. This forest has been maintained in its primitive state. The Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail provides a short walk to view some of these splendid old trees and the Joyce Kilmer memorial.
Maple Springs Observation Point isdesigned for use by the handicapped, a short 900-foot loop trail provides a spectacular panorama of Lake Santeetlah, much of the Cheoah Ranger District and the Great Smoky Mountains at a distance.
Standing Indian Basin is regionally known for its many attractions, the Standing Indian Basin provides an abundance of wildlife and recreational opportunities. A campground for tents or self-contained campers can provide an outpost while visitors enjoy blue ribbon trout streams, horse trails, loop trails for hikers, and waterfalls. Visit the Wasilik Poplar, an 8-foot diameter yellow-poplar, which is the second largest yellow-poplar known in the United States. Take a 2-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail to Standing Indian Mountain to view the remains of "the Standing Indian," who legend says was turned to a pillar of stone because he neglected his tribal duties. Situated adjacent to Southern Nantahala Wilderness and Coweeta Experimental Forest, the area offers a diverse combination of outdoor activities. The area is located off U.S. Highway 64 south at Rainbow Springs on Forest Road 67.
Wayah Bald has a vantage point 5,200 feet in elevation where, on a clear day, you can see north to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and south into the rolling hills of Georgia. At Wayah Bald, visitors can climb an old fire tower, built in the days of the Civilian Conservation Corps, to witness panoramic views of the southern Appalachian mountain chain. Visitors are welcome to visit the 1916 Wilson Lick Ranger Station, situated along Forest Road 69, to view the buildings and photographs depicting the history of the first Ranger Station in the Nantahala National Forest. Access off U.S. Highway 64 to N.C. 1310 and then Forest Service Road 69 to the top of the mountain (steep, gravel road).
Coweeta Experimental Forest was established in 1934, Coweeta is a unit of the Forest Service's Southeastern Experiment Station. In cooperation with scientists throughout the nation, it helps determine the effects of human use on forest growth and ecology. Visitors can drive through the experimental forest for most of the year to see forest management practices in silviculture, hydrology and engineering. A self-guiding brochure is available at the station office. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is located on U.S. Highway 441, south of Franklin, NC.
Mountain Waters National Scenic Byway is a 61.3 mile drive that winds through southern Appalachian hardwood forest, two spectacular river gorges, and rural countryside. Traveling from Highlands to Almond, the route follows U.S. 64, old U.S. 64, NC 1310, and U.S. 19 through Nantahala National Forest. For the first 7.5 miles, the byway travels through picturesque Cullasaja Gorge. The winding road parallels the river's most rugged course and offers scenic views of the river and its waterfalls. If you take the short spur road under Bridal Veil Falls, your car can get a natural car wash. The Nantahala is another river gorge that borders the byway. The Nantahala is a mecca for whitewater sports enthusiasts.
The Cradle of Forestry is an experience for the whole family to enjoy. Nestled beneath the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the Pisgah National Forest, this unique historic site allows you to explore the roots and branches of American forestry. You can see the rustic campus of the first forestry school, walk a forested trail to an old logging locomotive, and learn about the forest ecosystem and its management at the Forest Discovery Center.
Your visit begins in the Forest Discovery Center, where Cradle employees are ready to help you make the most of your time. An 1 8-minute film tells you the Cradle story and is the best introduction to your visit. Hands-on exhibits hold something of interest for all ages. Exciting new exhibits will be installed during 1996. Have fun learning about the forest around you while you wait for a guided tour.
Guided tours enhance your experience along the Cradle's two l-mile trails, though you may also walk them on your own. The Biltmore Campus Trail leads you back to the early 1900's when this area was part of a small mountain community and thriving college campus. You will see the community school and church that served as the forestry school's classroom. Explore the old store and the collection of mountain cabins, including the beautiful and intriguing Black Forest Lodge. Craftspeople recreate the era as they spin, quilt, carve, and demonstrate other traditions of mountain living in the restored cabins. Every turn of the Forest Festival Trail brings you closer to the forest and activities that occurred when forestry was a new-fangled idea. You can see a Climax logging train, an American log loader, and an old sawmill. The trail passes through reforested fields, a seedling nursery, and tree plantations.
When you return to the Forest Discovery Center, you may want to visit the Cradle's gift shop, which offers books on natural history and outdoor recreation, as well as maps, T-shirts, and handmade items. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase in the cafe.
Each month the Cradle of Forestry celebrates a different special event, from an Appalachian Spring Wildflower Celebration in May to Forest Festival Day in October. Learning is made fun through scheduled activities.
The Cradle is open from May through the end of October. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission in 1995 is $2 for adults, $1 for seniors and children ages 6-17, and free for children under 6. With the installation of new exhibits, the fee is expected to increase in 1996.
For more information and a schedule of special events, please call 704-877-3130 or write to Cradle of Forestry, 1001 Pisgah Hwy., Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
from Away.com
