The 30's were a very important time in the development of these mountains we love so much. 

In these last 2 years there have been 3 significant 75th anniversaries, The Great Smoky Mountains in 2009, Blue Ridge Parkway in 2010 and now the 75th Anniversary of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. 

Celebrate the Heritage of Graham County

Saturday, July 30, 2011 ~ Rattler Ford Campground
10 am - 3 pm
5k and 10 k races 8 am ~ Cheoah Ranger District Homecoming
Dedication Ceremony & Veterans Ceremony 1 pm
Entertainment ~ Special Guests
Outdoor Activities ~ Guided Walking Tours of Memorial Loop Trail
Food and Refreshments.  Click for more info and directions.

PUBLIC WELCOME

Giants of the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains

Lost within a mountain forest, locked away from the world and hidden along the Little Santeetlah Creek watershed is a rare woodland paradise. Protected from the outside world, held within an eternal sanctuary of peace, solitude and magnificent grandeur of the “old growth forest,” are the ancient giants trees, standing as monuments to life and time.  In the far away Unicoi Mountains of western North Carolina’s.  Read more about the Giants of the Forest

Nantahala National Forest and eastern Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest is a remote and nearly isolated 17,013-acre tract of virgin forest…the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Slickrock Wilderness Area. Use this link to read more about Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.

They stand tall in stillness and silence at the very edge of dawn anticipating a call to service that awakens them each day. The small delicate winged inhabitants residing within their sturdy and spacious limbs begin to sing their morning songs just before the first light of day. Their voices blend in unison resounding as if they were part of a wilderness choir held within a cathedral forest of giant trees, all the while fluttering about in excitement and reverence of a new rising sun.  Read more about Chimney Rock's Old Growth Forest.

In the early 1900's when our nation was searching for ways to preserve our heritage and protect our natural wonders and environment a national park was being proposed for the eastern regions of the United States. Most national parks were located out west, far away from the greater population that resided in the eastern states of America. Several locations across the southeast were being proposed by its citizens feeling their region had the most unique geographical setting for the new national park. Read more about the Great Smokies Old Growth Forest.