Deep in the mountains of Graham County lies a 3800-acre tract of the most beautiful forest in America, unmarred and undefiled by the hand of man. On July 30, 1936, the area was dedicated to the Poet, Joyce Kilmer as a living memorial.
It was the simple but beautiful words of Kilmer in the Poem, "TREES" which prompted forestry officials and friends of nature to set aside the acreage, which now comprises the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Notice was served to the world that the exploitation and desecration of our forest lands had come to an end.
Because of its relative isolation until recent years, the wooded area had remained untouched by the woodman's axe. Huge poplars, some 20 feet in circumference, tower 125 feet or more toward the sky. Giant red oaks, magnificent hemlocks, and many other varieties of trees stand as proud neighbors to the mammoth poplars. The forest once an isolated region known only to the few who penetrated its boundaries as Poplar Cove has now become an attraction to thousands. The government has set aside the area to remain a "natural area" and maintains trails leading to various points of scenic or botanical interest. One trail leads across Little Santeetlah Creek into Poplar Cove where a bronze plaque placed upon a granite boulder states simply: "Joyce Kilmer, 165th Infantry, Rainbow Division, Soldier and Poet, Author of TREES. Born in New Brunswick, N.J.?December 6, 1886. Killed in action in France July 30, 1918."
Another trail follows Little Santeetlah Creek to a trail on top of the Unicoi Mountains. From here a trail follows the ridges to Stratton Bald, Hayoe, and Hangover Mountains. The boldness and grandeur of nature along these trails cannot be matched anywhere. More and more city dwellers from afar seek a few hours of the serenity and tranquility of this natural wonderland.
The natural forest was dedicated on the eighteenth anniversary of Kilmer's death in France during World War I. The Bozeman Bulger Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsored the action authorizing the establishment of the Joyce Kilmer forest memorial.
Many are familiar with the words of Kilmer's "TREES" and still others have heard the version set to music by his mother. As the nature lover strolls by the misty waterfalls, through the verdant vegetation, near the flowing cascades, or over the bold, sharp peaks, a beautiful tree will call to mind with renewed freshness and meaning the words:
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