Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest was nationally recognized for its rarity, beauty and biodiversity by being formally inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network as the 350th forest during a ceremony at the trailhead on July 31, 2026.
The network’s goal is to identify and ensure the preservation and recognition of at least one forest in every forested county in the United States, creating a roadmap of family-friendly hikes that showcase the beauty, complexity and diversity of our nation’s oldest forests.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is known as a gem of old-growth in the East, and recognized by many publications for its extensive history as a protected area that was spared from logging. The forest is now characterized by large tulip poplars, cucumber magnolias and basswoods, with birch and silverbell in the understory.
A full list and map of OGFN forests may be viewed at oldgrowthforest.net.