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Take A Walk On The Wild Side
Headwaters State Forest: A Conservation Laboratory
North Carolina’s newest state forest was founded in 2018 and represents another iconic destination in Transylvania County. In terms of beauty and features, it’s on par with Pisgah, DuPont and Gorges. However, its remote location and limited access make it a more appropriate destination for adventurers with good wilderness and map-reading skills. We caught up with Assistant Regional Forester Michael Cheek, who oversees this 6,730 acre mountain wonderland for the North Carolina Forest Service to help us understand the importance of Headwaters and the opportunities for visitors to enjoy its unique topography and features — especially as we celebrate North Carolina’s “Year of the Trail.”
Q&A
Q&A:
Michael, what’s distinctive about Headwaters?
“Headwaters is located right along the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and the South Carolina border. It’s very remote and has a very “back country” feel to it. You’ll find plenty of trails and lots of solitude.”
Q&A
Q&A:
What’s the key mission of Headwaters State Forest?
“Certainly, recreation is a part of it, but our primary focus is on the conservation of the headwater streams that feed into the East Fork of the French Broad River. There are over a dozen named streams feeding into the East Fork, totaling some 50 miles. That’s where our clean drinking water comes from, and these headwater streams are key to that. Part of our mission is also to demonstrate good forestry practices – to show the public the best way to manage this important resource. This land has been a working forest for over 100 years and we’re looking at opportunities to expand and diversify the harvest.”
Q&A
Q&A:
When you talk about diversity, what do you mean?
“A lot of this acreage was harvested in the 60’s and 70’s and was replanted in white pine. We’d like to add yellow and pitch pine to the mix and add more mass-producing hardwood species like oak. The goal is to go from a forest that’s very thick with trees to one where the trees are wider spaced and there’s more understory. This will benefit wildlife as well and contribute to more diversity there by creating a better habitat for native species like grouse and wild turkey.”
Q&A
Q&A:
Headwaters has been described as a “backcountry” destination. What does that mean?
“Well, I joke around this is not a place to be wearing flip-flops, but it’s the truth. People need to be able to take care of themselves. There is no cell service and no bathrooms. In short, you need to be self-sufficient when you go in and know how to read a map and use a compass.”
Q&A
Q&A:
What kind of recreational opportunities exist in Headwaters?
“Generally speaking, we are part of the North Carolina Game Lands Program so you can hunt for all species. Those who enjoy back country fishing will find rainbow, brook and brown trout. As far as other activities, we are focused on foot traffic only – just hiking and wildlife viewing. There’s no mountain biking or horseback riding allowed.”
Q&A
Q&A:
Do these restrictions stem from your conservation mission?
“Yes, we are trying to minimize the impact of people while still making it accessible for low-impact recreation. While there is a large road system across the property, it hasn’t been managed particularly well over the last 30 years. We are working on a road inventory and deciding where to do restoration work. One of our goals to minimize impact of these roads.”
Q&A
Q&A:
What are some easy ways that visitors access Headwaters?
“There are several access points into the forest, but they are not always easy to find. I would suggest accessing the Foothills Trail from the Sassafras Mountain overlook, which is on the North Carolina/South Carolina state line. Additionally, there is a small parking lot we’ve established on Glady Fork Road called Morgan Place that provides access to several trails.” (Directions for both are below.)
Q&A
Q&A:
Finally, what are your favorite parts of Headwaters, Michael?
“There are several areas that are really nice. Dolves Mountain, which overlooks East Fork Valley is great. You access it from the Sassafras Mountain overlook I mentioned earlier, which runs along the North Carolina-South Carolina border and is also really beautiful.”
To get your bearings in Headwaters State Forest, consult this map.
Directions to Sassafras Mountain: Use this GPS address: 1399 F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway, Sunset, SC 29685
Directions to Morgan Place Trailhead: From the intersection of Main St. and Broad Street in downtown Brevard, drive south on US 276 7.4 miles to East Fork Road. Take a right and continue on East Fork Road for 5.9 miles. Take a hard left onto Glady Fork. Continue 3.5 miles. The parking lot will be on the left.
Know before you go:
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Only hunting, fishing and hiking are allowed.
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Dogs must be on a leash.
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During hunting season, wear a blaze orange vest for safety.
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The area in and around Headwaters has spotty to no cell service.
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If you hike, hunt or fish alone, let someone know your plans before setting out.
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Carry an accurate map and a compass for direction finding.
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Most trails are not marked.
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There are no restrooms.
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Be sure to bring adequate water and food.
