Holmes Educational State Forest - The tour starts at the Visitors Information Center, 201 South Main Street. From the Visitors Center turn right onto Main Street to the second stop light and turn right onto Caswell Street. When crossing Church Street the road becomes Kanuga Road; follow Kanuga Road, which becomes Crab Creek Road, approximately 8 1/2 miles to Holmes Educational State Forest. Turn left into the entrance of Holmes Educational State Forest.

Holmes Educational State Forest - Holmes Educational State Forest offers a series of well-marked trails, accented by exhibits and displays depicting ecology of a managed forest. The forest is open Tuesday-Sunday from mid-March to late November.

The Forestry Center displays audio-visual exhibits explaining the managed forest and is the starting point for the Forest trails.

The Hiking Trails are approximately 5 miles in varying degrees of difficulty. Trail maps are available at the Ranger Station.

The Talking Tree Trail features a recorded message about the tree, its site, and the forest history. The trail is a 1/2 mile easy walk, takes approximately 30 minutes.

The Crab Creek Trail is a 1/2 mile easy walk.

The Forest Demonstration Trail is a 2 mile strenuous walk, takes 1 1/2-2 hours. Actual forestry practices are explained on the trail.

The Wildcat Rock Trail is a 3/4 mile very strenuous walk.

Bring a picnic lunch, picnic sites with tables and grills are available.

When leaving Holmes Educational State Forest turn right, travel approximately 8 1/2 miles to Historic Downtown Hendersonville.

For information call (828) 692-0100 or visit www.ncesf.org/HESF/home.htm.