In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains stands the 288 wooded acres that make up Tuttle Education State Forest. Located in Caldwell County, just outside of Lenoir and Morganton, the forest is a beautiful natural resource that offers outdoor education and many trails, including their “Talking Tree” trails, throughout the property. While many state parks focus largely on recreation, the unique nature of the forest is the focus on educational opportunities and preservation. My kids and I attended with a group and participated in a Ranger-conducted program about Predators and Prey before enjoying a hike and picnic lunch.
In addition to the picnic tables, well-maintained restrooms, and volleyball and horseshoe court, guests can visit one of Caldwell County’s only one-room schoolhouses, the Old Lingle School, built in 1863. Narration is provided that shares information about the history of this restored piece of North Carolina history. Past the school, you can find the Talking Tree Trail, which invites visitors to listen to audio presentations and learn more about various trees that are within the forest and their many uses. For a more challenging trail, the Forest Demonstration Trail offers a two-mile hike during which forestry practices are introduced interspersed among the lovely scenic views.
For beautiful scenery and to learn more about NC’s rich forestry resources, explore Tuttle Education Forest with your family! Forest season runs from mid-March to the Friday before Thanksgiving; the forest is closed on Mondays. Ranger programs are available to groups in outdoor classrooms with prior arrangement. Round out your day like we did in the afternoon with a trip to Catawba Meadows Park in Morganton, a 10-minute drive from Tuttle.
Tuttle Educational State Forest is located at 3420 Playmore Beach Rd, Lenoir, NC 28645. For more information and hours, call 828-757-5608 or visit www.ncesf.org/tuttle.
