North Raleigh Today

Clemmons Educational State Forest in Clayton has announced its transition to summer hours, effective from March 1 until October 31. The forest is now open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will also be accessible on Good Friday and Independence Day but remains closed on Mondays.

The forest offers educational programs for school groups, homeschoolers, scouts, and others interested in topics like forestry, water, soils, and wildlife. Programs require a minimum of ten students, with the capacity to accommodate up to one hundred participants.

Visitors can explore four hiking trails within the forest. These include two audio trails: the Talking Tree Trail and the Talking Rocks Trail, each slightly over half a mile long. For those desiring longer hikes, there is the Forest Demonstration Trail at 2.2 miles and the Watershed Extension Loop just under three miles.

Picnic facilities are available with individual tables under tree cover and a large picnic shelter that can be reserved for larger gatherings. Restrooms are conveniently located nearby.

For further details about programs or reservations at Clemmons ESF, visitors can contact rangers at 919-553-5651 or visit their website for additional resources including an introductory video about the forest's offerings.