Hemlock Forest Trail

The Hemlock Forest Trail provides an easy, accessible walk through one of the finest remaining stands of old-growth eastern hemlock in the Cherokee National Forest. The short loop passes massive hemlock trees, some estimated to be over 400 years old, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere with their dense canopy. Interpretive signs explain hemlock ecology and the threats facing these ancient trees from the hemlock woolly adelgid. The cool, shaded forest supports diverse understory plants including ferns, mosses, and shade-tolerant wildflowers. This trail offers a contemplative experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the majesty of these ancient trees that once dominated streams and coves throughout the Appalachians.