Holmes ESF Public Events

Inclement Weather Policy

Hikes may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather such as thunder and lightning. Notifications will be sent out via phone and email. Due to the unpredictability of weather patterns in our area, cancellations may occur as late as the morning of the scheduled meeting date.

Spring/Summer/Fall Public Programs

Free Educational Offerings At Holmes Educational State Forest

These programs are free but you MUST SIGN UP to participate. Call now (828-692-0100) or email (holmesesf.ncfs@ncagr.gov) to reserve your spot! The guided hikes will only last a few hours, but there is so much more at Holmes Educational State Forest to learn about and explore on your own time! We offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and a variety of educational exhibits. Category II, III NC EE certification and CEU credit are available upon request.

2026 Guided Mushroom Hikes

A guided introduction to the world of fungi. Join Ranger Dwigans for a guided hike through the diverse forest ecosystem in search of various fungi. There will be discussion about the ecology, biology, toxicity and uses of mushrooms that are common to the area, followed by a moderate hike into the forest! You MUST SIGN UP for this program to participate. Call now (828 692-0100) or email holmesesf.ncfs@ncagr.gov to reserve your spot.
 
Program is limited to 10 participants. Meet at the main forest parking lot near the public restrooms. The address is 1299 Crab Creek Road, Hendersonville. It is recommended that participants bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle and a camera.
 
This hike is set to end at 4 p.m. but feel free to explore the rest of Holmes Educational State Forest on your own time. We offer hiking trails, picnic areas, and a variety of educational exhibits. NCEE and CEU credit available upon request.
 
  • Saturday, July 4, 2026: 2-4 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 18, 2026: 2-4 p.m. -- THIS PROGRAM HAS REACHED CAPACITY.
Corrugated Milkcap (Lactifluus corrugis) and Gymnopus iocephalus
Left: Corrugated Milkcap (Lactifluus corrugis)  |  Right: Gymnopus iocephalus

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These programs are free, but you MUST SIGN UP to participate. Call now (828 692-0100) or email (holmesesf.ncfs@ncagr.gov) to reserve your spot! The guided hikes will only last a few hours, but there is so much more at Holmes Educational State Forest to learn about and explore on your own time! We offer hiking trails, picnic areas and a variety of educational exhibits.

Professional Development for Formal/Non-Formal Educators

HESF periodically host professional development workshops for formal and non-formal educators. Workshops include but not limited to Investigating Your Environment, Project Learning Tree, and Tree Identification for Educators. Please contact the office for more information on Continuing Education Units for Teachers and/or Environmental Education Certification credits.

Most NCFS and HESF educator workshops will fall under the following categories. NCEE Category I: Approved Instructional Workshops, NCEE Category II: Outdoor Environmental Education Experiences and/or Continuing Education Units for formal teachers.

Resources

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This page was last modified on 07/07/2026