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Visitors’ Day

Visitors’ Day

Visitors’ Days are held the first Tuesday of each month, April – October. Visitors’ Days provide the perfect outing for backyard gardeners, plant enthusiasts or professionals in the fields of horticulture, design and ecology. Visitors’ Days are best suited for first-time guests to SHR and are led by a Garden Tour Docent. Tours begin promptly at 10 am and will last 2 to 2.5 hours. Please arrive at 9:30 – 9:45 for check in. Directions provided will give you an idea of approximate drive time. Roads to the gardens are curvy; plan according to your riders’ comfort level. Located at 4,500 feet elevation, we cover varied terrain much like hiking in the mountains of Western NC and the Blue Ridge Parkway. These conditions create a moderate to strenuous hiking/walking experience. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring water bottle, camera, and bug spray. We also invite our visitors to bring a sack lunch and enjoy lunch on the Rooftop Terrace or at the Chestnut Lodge picnic table following the... Read More
Bird Hike

Bird Hike

Join professional birder Kevin Burke for a birding exploration of Holmes Educational State Forest. Kevin has been birding for 17 years and uses his expertise to guide trips in North Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. Most recently Kevin has led trips to Columbia and Portugal. On this hike we can expect to see/hear warblers (such as Ovenbird, Black-throated Green Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Northern Parula), tanagers (Scarlet) and vireos (Red-eyed and Blue-headed) among others. You MUST SIGN UP for this program to participate. Call now (828 692-0100) or email holmesesf.ncfs@ncagr.gov to reserve your spot! Program is limited to 15 participants. The group will meet in our main parking area at the kiosk. It is recommended that you bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle, camera, and bird field guide if you have one. The hike is set to end at 11am but feel free to explore the rest of Holmes Educational State Forest on your own time. We offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and a variety of educational... Read More