Upcoming Events for the Partners of Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness

Please note: Additional details for each event will be made available in the monthly email newsletter. To join the newsletter, please subscribe by filling out the form at the bottom of this page. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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March 20, 2025 @ 10 am 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Fontana Dam Area 

Enjoy a fun, historical hike in a very unused section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  We’ll hike about 4 miles along an old gravel road thru the old town of Fairfax (no structures remaining).  We’ll visit the Payne and Orr Cemeteries along the way.  Starting time is 10 AM.  Parking – if the Dam is open to traffic, drive across Fontana Dam, then turn right into the Park.  Follow that about a mile to the Gate.  If the dam is closed to traffic, park at the Dam Visitor Center Parking Area and we will meet there.  Remember that a parking permit is required if parking across the Dam inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but no permit is required to park at the Visitor Center.  Trip Leader is Dick Evans – 828-479-3377.

Parking permits available by clicking here. 

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April 8, 2025 @ 10 am 

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest 

Join us for a work trip in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.  We’ll start off with the Annual First Aid Refresher for workers, then hike the two mile Loop Trail, trimming and clearing trail as we go.  Starts at 10 AM, with parking at the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Parking Area, 5410 Joyce Kilmer Road, Robbinsville.  Bring hard hat (if you have one), gloves, water, lunch, rain jacket.  Probably end up around 3 PM or so.  Trip Leader is Randy Bullock.

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April 22, 2025 @ 10 am 

United Community Bank - Robbinsville, NC 

Board of Directors Meeting 

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April 24, 2025 @ 10 am 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Twenty Mile Creek

Join us for a fun Hike in the Twenty Mile Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Meet in the parking area of the Ranger Station at 10 AM (Parking Permit required-if you don’t have one, park at the water access on the opposite side of Route 28 and walk in).  We’ll visit the Twenty Mile Cascade and may hike the loop trail of 7.5 miles, or a shorter hike, depending on folks who show up.  Should be incredible wild flowers.  Trip Leaders-Cindy Mease and Dick Evans.

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May 3, 2025 @ 11 am 

Stecoah Valley Center Spring Festival

11 AM – 4 PM.  We’ll have the usual Crosscut Saw demonstrations and Tee Shirts for sale.

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May 13, 2025 @ 10 am 

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest 

Come along for a wildflower hike in the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.  Meet at the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Parking Area, 5410 Joyce Kilmer Road, Robbinsville, at 10 AM for a leisurely two mile walk on the Memorial Loop looking at what Spring has brought us.  Bring usual day hike gear.

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June 2 - 7, 2025

During the June 2nd thru June 7th period, we will have a Work Trip in the Memorial Forest, a night hike to see the Fireflies and the National Trails Day Hike in the Memorial Loop.  This is weather dependent, so watch for the June Newsletter for full details. Sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of this page. 

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June 14 & 15, 2025 

Graham County Azalea Festival 

The Partners will be conducting guided hikes and information sessions at Hooper Bald along the Cherohala Skyway both days.  More information available from. Graham County Travel and Tourism here.