Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness is a protected wilderness area located in the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests, straddling the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Covering over 17,000 acres, it is renowned for its dense, ancient forests, featuring some of the oldest and largest trees in the eastern United States. The wilderness is named in honor of poet Joyce Kilmer, best known for his poem 'Trees', and its spectacular Slickrock Creek, known for its challenging terrain and scenic beauty. Visitors are drawn to its old-growth forests, scenic rivers, and challenging hiking trails. The landscape is characterized by steep, rugged mountains, deep gorges, and pristine streams, offering an ideal habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The wilderness provides opportunities for solitude and diverse recreation, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, while also being an essential habitat for several threatened or endangered species.
