I had heard of Clemmons Educational State Forest, but pre-pandemic I mainly gravitated towards playgrounds so the kids could play while mommy relaxed. Nowadays with all of the playgrounds closed, we need new places to walk so the kids don’t get bored with the same view!
Clemmons was EXACTLY what we needed. The forest provides a unique outdoor experience where you learn about trees, rocks, and ecosystems as you walk!
Forest Service Tower
One experience that my kids really enjoyed was climbing the forest service tower. These towers were historically used as fire lookouts and have become one of the Forest Service’s most widely recognized icons. This tower was pretty short so I’m pretty sure it’s sole purpose was to allow children to climb it. The stairs were pretty steep, but we all got up and down it safely.
Educational Exhibits
Along our walk there were lots of educational exhibits thrown in every few feet. The exhibits helped us talk about things I had never thought to teach the kids before! We talked about how to count rings on a tree, what is under the ground we are walking on, and the different types of rocks and their names.
I’m not sure how much stuck with my 5, 4, and 2 year old, but I felt good that they got some education that day! And it was pretty awesome that they learned about granite on our walk and then it came up again when we visited Mitchell Mill State Natural Area later that week! Just goes to show that earning opportunities are everywhere!
“Talking” Rock Trail
Clemmons Educational State Forest has two types of “talking trails” — one for rocks and one for trees. Along the talking trails you will find push-button exhibits that play a recording like the rock or tree is speaking to you. It will tell you all about itself and what it is used for. We took the talking rock trail during our time in the forest, but there are also two more trails available called the Forest Demonstration Trail and the Watershed Extension Loop.
Like any preschooler, my kids loved pushing the buttons to hear the talking rocks, but didn’t necessarily listen to the whole recording. I was pleasantly surprised that all of the stations we visited actually worked and the recording played loud enough for us to hear it!
The trail itself was gravel, so I wouldn’t say it’s very stroller friendly. It is a little misleading because it starts out paved near the parking lot, but that doesn’t last long. There are also some wooden walkways and bridges that get VERY slippery when wet. We were there after a rain storm and I had trouble walking on the wood. Luckily there’s not very many of those walkways, but beware!
Water Quality Deck
Towards the end of the talking rock trail we ended up at a small pond with a deck to view the water. There were lots of turtles, fish, and birds that the kids enjoyed watching. All I needed was a rocking chair or swing and I could have hung out there for a while!
I also enjoyed the map of the river basins of North Carolina. Having lived in both the western and eastern parts of the state I was familiar with many of the names so it was interesting to see them all on a map!
Outdoor Classroom
Besides the trails, the forest also offers educational programs led by staff. There is an outdoor classroom for these sessions and I hear many schools do field trips here as well.
Near the parking lot you will also find a few picnic tables, so bring your lunch and have a picnic!
Apparently there are seven of these educational forests throughout the state, including Jordan Lake Educational State Forest that we plan to visit soon. Each forest features self-guided trails that include exhibits, tree identification signs, a forest education center and a talking tree trail. Specially trained rangers are available to conduct classes for school and other youth groups that cover all aspects of the forest environment – from soil, water and wildlife to timber and forest management. There are NO fees for any program at the forest, but make note of the limited hours listed below.
While you’re in Clayton, also visit Bungalow Bounce for indoor bounce house fun!