Headwaters State Forest

Headwaters State Forest is a 6,730-acre (27.2 km2)[1] state forest, located in Transylvania County, North Carolina, along the South Carolina state line and is part of a larger 100,000+ acre conservation corridor that stretches some 80 miles along the state line. The name originates from the fact that the forest contains the headwaters of East Fork of the French Broad River.[1][2] The North Carolina Forest Service primarily manages the forest for water and soil quality, as well as protecting rare species; however, primitive recreational uses are permitted.[2]

This article is about a North Carolina State Forest. It is not to be confused with Mississippi Headwaters State Forest.
Headwaters State Forest
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources)
Location of Headwaters State Forest in North Carolina
Headwaters State Forest (the United States)
LocationTransylvania, North Carolina, United States
Coordinates35.0967°N 82.7356°W / 35.0967; -82.7356
Area6,730 acres (27.2 km2)[1]
Established2009
Governing bodyNorth Carolina Forest Service
WebsiteHeadwaters State Forest

History

The forest was established in 2009 when Congressman Charles H. Taylor agreed to sell about 8,000 acres (32 km2) to the state, which was one of the largest remaining tracts of privately held land in Western North Carolina.[3][4] Over the next 9 years, The Conservation Fund and Conserving Carolina assisted with the acquisition, by purchasing portions of the property as grants became available, then turning them over to the North Carolina Forest Service.[3][4][5] A small, 4.8-acre (0.019 km2)[6] portion of the property around the summit of Sassafras Mountain was given to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for development of an observation tower at South Carolina's highest point.[6]

On September 8, 2018,[4][5] the beginning of deer season,[5] Headwaters State Forest was opened to the public.

Recreation

The forest is open to hiking, hunting and fishing.[2] Mountain biking, horse back riding and off-roading are not permitted.[2] The NC Forest Service plans on maintaining the forest in a primitive, undeveloped state with few visitor facilities.[2]

A spur of the Foothills Trail follows along the southern boundary of the forest, connecting Sassafras Mountain to Caesars Head State Park (SC).

There are several waterfalls in the forest, including East Fork Falls, Reece Place Falls and Graveley Falls.[5]

Bursted Rock is regarded as the most scenic vantage point in the forest.

See also

References
  1. "Headwaters State Forest". North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  2. "Headwaters State Forest Frequently Asked Questions". North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  3. Baker, Park (March 30, 2015). "More Headwaters State Forest Land To Be Bought". The Transylvania Times. Brevard, NC. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  4. Bradley, Rob (August 30, 2018). "New state forest to open in Transylvania County". Ashville, NC: WLOS. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  5. Chávez, Karen (September 7, 2018). "Headwaters State Forest opens with funding through Land and Water Conservation Fund". Citizen Times. Asheville, NC. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  6. "Sassafras Mountain". South Carolina Picture Project. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
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