North Carolina, Raleigh- If you are a lover of nature and the forest, North Carolina has many of the most beautiful natural areas to explore. Here we present five of the best forests that you could take advantage of in the summer to go out with your family or friends.
A black bear sanctuary
Panthertown ValleyIt's a 6,311-acre public rural area and bear sanctuary located in the Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina. It's definitely a place to explore, as it's located on ancestral lands of the Tsalaguwetiyi and possibly other tribes.
When you decide to walk along its trails, you must take many precautions and follow the recommendations, including carrying a good map, a compass and water to hydrate yourself at all times.
You should definitely come prepared for adventure, extreme and dangerous climates, remember, the cell phone signal may not be your ally on your hike. Don't forget that it is a bear sanctuary so you must respect the wildlife and not leave traces of food so as not to call the forest fauna.
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Dupont Forest: to see the waterfalls
El Dupont Forest It is a 12,500-acre area located between Henderson County and Transylvania. This forest may seem familiar to many since it was the setting for films such as The Last of the Mohicans in 1992 and The Hunger Games in 2012.
In this forest you can do various recreational activities such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, swimming (where allowed), wading and kayaking. Destinations include mountaintop views (such as from the top of Stone Mountain and Cedar Rock), lakes (such as Lake Imaging, Lake Julia, Lake Dense, and Fawn Lake), and waterfalls,
And yes, your visit to this forest can be any day of the year since it is open every day from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, but remember, camping or bonfires are not allowed.
a botanical garden
Pearson's Falls and Glen is a top natural attraction in Saluda, Polk County, NC, welcoming over 30,000 visitors each year. This unique botanical preserve is comprised of over 300 acres of lush cove forest, spring-fed streams, and a moderate 1/4 mile trail to a 90-foot waterfall.
Used as an outdoor laboratory for botany and biology students from surrounding colleges and universities, Pearson's Falls and Glen is a frequent field trip site for local science classes and elementary school children.
More to travel
a national forest
El Croatan National Forest It covers 160,000 acres of longleaf pine forests, evergreen shrub swamps and wetlands. Bounded on three sides by tidal rivers and the Bogue Sound, this forest is defined by water, providing a variety of recreation and wildlife diversity.
It is suitable for hiking, camping, hunting, cycling and off-roading. The surrounding rivers, inland lakes and streams allow for swimming, fishing, boating and canoeing. Near the forest are the cities of New Bern and Morehead City, both in North Carolina.
Pisgah Forest: Cradle of Forestry
Located in the Appalachian Mountains, the Pisgah National Forest It has an area of more than 500,000 acres. This natural area is home to the first tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 that led to the creation of national forests in the eastern United States.
In this forest you can bring your own horse to explore the different equestrian trails with access to water and, of course, panoramic views. And if your passion is forestry, you've come to the ideal place since here you will find the historic buildings of the first forestry school in the United States, the Biltmore Fores School, founded in 1898.
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After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
🎧 In this episode, learn how Latino organizations transformed crisis into resilience.
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