Jordan Lake Educational State Forest, situated between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, offers a unique outdoor experience, showcasing a diverse array of pines and hardwoods within a wetland ecosystem. The site offers outdoor education workshops, picnic facilities, ranger-conducted Classes, and the “Talking Tree” Trail. They do not charge any fees for use or programs.
FEATURES Managed by the North Carolina Forest Service. Admission and parking are free. Reservations are required for groups. Alcohol is prohibited. Visitors shall not become intoxicated in any state park or recreation area. Leashed pets are welcome. Please come prepared to clean up after your furry friend.
HOURS
Closed designated N.C. State holidays, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
March-October
- Mon: CLOSED.
- Tue-Fri: 9am-5pm.
- Sat-Sun: 11am-6pm.
November-February
- Sat-Mon: CLOSED.
- Tue-Fri: 9am-5pm.
ACCESSIBILITY
JLESF picnic shelters are relatively easy to access, with gravel paths leading to them. The fire control field is along the road and moderately easy to access. The North Carolina Forest Service requests that visitors park in the gravel parking areas and not in the grass off the road at the helicopter field. The parking lot is wheelchair-accessible, and the Stan Adams Training Center has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. The Talking Tree Trail is also a gravel path that covers about a quarter of a mile.