Norman Wilder Trail (Blue)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This short trail leads you from the small parking area just off of Highway 176 and into the preserve. The trail begins by an information kiosk, and gradually inclines. Around the halfway point, the trail follows a private driveway for 300 yards. A second informational kiosk directs you back onto the trail, where it will intersect with the Drip Falls Trail (Yellow) and the Cliffs Trail (Red) shortly after.

Norman Wilder Forest is a 185-acre preserve between Saluda and Tryon. As you explore the hiking trails, you'll find yourself surrounded by mature forests with majestic, tall trees. In the spring and summer, you can enjoy exceptional displays of wildflowers. The preserve is part of the North Carolina Birding Trail and home to many species including wood warblers, thrushes, and tanagers. Beautiful mountain streams flow through on their way to the North Pacolet River.

Conserving Carolina owns Norman Wilder Forest and is committed to maintaining it as a nature preserve for generations to come. The 185 acres of Norman Wilder Forest were acquired in 1999 by the Pacolet Area Conservancy, one of two land trusts that merged in 2017 to form Conserving Carolina. The forest was named for a lifelong conservationist and environmental educator who served on the board of the Pacolet Area Conservancy.