Recreation at Holmes Educational State Forest

Trail Map


Crab Creek Trail is a short, gravel trail that follows Crab Creek through the remains of what was once a small tree nursery then past the forest’s Pollinator Garden and Labyrinth.
Length – 0.5 miles
Difficulty – Easy

Soil and Water Trail is sponsored by the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Henderson, Transylvania, and Buncombe counties. Wooden boardwalks and stairs take you through a diverse forest aquatic ecosystem.
Length – 0.1 miles
Difficulty – Easy

Talking Tree Trail is our most popular trail that takes you past 7 “talking trees” and through a rich cove forest where you will see many species of plants and wildlife.
Length – 0.5 miles
Difficulty – Easy

Forest Demonstration Trail is our longest trail that will take you from the bottom of the forest to the top. Elevation gain is around 500 feet.
Length – 3.0 Miles
Difficulty – Moderate

Short Cut Trail connects the two sides of the Demonstration Trail essentially cutting the distance of the Demonstration Trail in half.
Length – 0.3 Miles
Difficulty – Moderate