RENDEZVOUS MOUNTAIN EDUCAATIONAL STATE FOREST
RENDEZVOUS MOUNTAIN EDUCAATIONAL STATE FOREST1956 Rendezvous Mtn. Rd. 28665
Email:
Located in the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains, this forest showcases magnificent mountain hardwoods in one of North Carolina's most scenic settings.
Its features are accessible by a series of well-marked trails, accented by exhibits and displays depicting the ecology of the managed forest.
Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest is located in Caldwell County, North Carolina. The forest was established in 1987 and provides various educational and recreational opportunities for visitors.
The history of the forest traces back several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, who utilized the land for hunting and gathering. European settlers began to explore and settle in the region in the 18th century.
In the early 20th century, the logging industry had a significant impact on the area, and large portions of the forest were harvested for timber. However, during the 1930s, the impacts of deforestation and uncontrolled logging became more apparent, leading to a growing interest in forest conservation.
Efforts to protect and conserve the forests of North Carolina gained momentum in the 1930s with the formation of the North Carolina Forest Service and the development of the state park system. Rendezvous Mountain itself became part of the Pisgah National Forest, which was established in 1916 and expanded in subsequent years.
The land that now comprises Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest was purchased by the North Carolina Forest Service in the late 20th century. The purpose of acquiring this land was to provide a site for environmental education and recreation. The forest was officially established as an educational state forest in 1987 and opened to the public in 1990.