Holmes Educational State Forest is a 235 acre educational forest in Henderson County near Hendersonville in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a great place to hike or picnic. And you just might learn something.
“Whether you’re looking for a strenuous hike, an educational stroll, a night under the stars, or just a picnic lunch with the kids, Holmes has something to offer you.”
There are picnic facilities and well marked and maintained trails. This State Forest is close to town, yet still has rugged terrain, numerous rock outcroppings, and scenic vistas. You will see a rich mixture of mountain hardwoods, rhododendron, flame azaleas, and wildflowers. Take advantage of the Activity Packs and Ranger conducted classes offered at this Educational Forest. There are also self guided Outdoor Education Trails with “Talking Trees” and exhibits. This “Living Outdoor Class Room” demonstrates the complex, interdependent ecosystems which make up a forest.
Holmes Educational State Forest
1299 Crab Creek Road
Hendersonville, N.C., 28739
(828) 692-0100
Holmes Educational State Forest is a state managed forest designed to promote better understanding of the value of forests. The trail range from very easy to a little steeper. There are educational exhibits and a wide variety of hardwoods, rhododendron, flame azaleas, and lots of wildflowers.
The Talking Trees Trail features audio stations that teach about the trees. There are also ranger-conducted classes available.
There are plenty of picnic tables and a picnic shelter with a fireplace.
Admission is Free.
Open: Mid-March through Mid-November
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:00 to 5:00, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 to 8:00
Hiking Trails
The Hiking Trails are approximately 5 miles in varying degrees of difficulty.
Trail maps are available at the Ranger Station.
- Talking Tree Trail:Recorded audio messages about various trees and their surroundings. Information on the part various trees played in history.
1/2 mile. Easy. Approximately 30 minutes. - Crab Creek Trail: 1/2 mile. Easy.
- Forest Demonstration Trail: Information on current forestry
2 miles. Strenuous. Approximately 1 1/2-2 hours. - Wildcat Rock Trail: 3/4 mile. Very strenuous.
Directions to Holmes Educational State Forest from Meadowbrook Log Cabin
Meadowbrook Log Cabin is 30 minutes or so from Holmes Educational State Forest.
Scenic Route
From the cabin, turn right at US-25.
You will go through the Historic Downtown area of Hendersonville.
In 1.6 mi turn right at Kanuga Rd
Kanuga Rd will change names to Crab Creek Rd. It is still the same road.
In 8.6 miles you will arrive at Holmes State Forest.
About 3 miles past Holmes State Forest you will see Dupont Rd. (NC-1593) on the left. Follow
this to Dupont
State Forest.This route is curvier and has no street lighting, so if you don’t
like curves or you get car sick or if it is dark out, you might want
to take the straight route. More miles, faster speed limit.Straight Route
From the cabin, turn right at US-25.
You will NOT go through the Historic Downtown area of Hendersonville.
Turn right on 6th Ave W/US-64.
In 12 miles, not far over the County Line, you will see the Triangle Stop Gas Station.
Make a left on Crab Creek Rd.
In 4.3 miles turn right on Dupont Rd. (NC-1593).
Follow
this to Dupont State Forest.
Or, continue on and you will arrive at Holmes State Forest.
This is one of our favorite hikes.
