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DuPont History: Where was the RV Campground in Buck Forest?
By Kent Wilcox
Although RV camping and backcountry camping are prohibited in DuPont State Recreational Forest, the DuPont Employees Recreation Association (DERA) built and maintained 28 RV sites and 12 back-country campsites when the area was known as Buck Forest rather than DuPont Forest. Those sites could be reserved for DERA members and their guests until the manufacturing plant closed in 1999. In 2017, I used a map (Figure 1) provided by former DERA member Jeff Jennings to locate any remaining structures and clearings associated with those campsites.
Campsites one through 28 were located near the shore of Lake DERA and were designed primarily for recreational vehicles. Fourteen sites and a bath house (Figure 2) were built in 1975. An additional fourteen sites were built in 1977. Each of the full-service sites included hookups for electricity, drinking water (Figure 3), and sewage disposable. Families of some DuPont employees spent the summer camping at the Lake DERA RV campground. Walking to and from work while your family relaxed at Lake DERA was a wonderful perk for DuPont employees. When the manufacturing plant closed in 1999, the electrical lines to the campsites were cut and the septic system was filled with concrete. The RV pads remain but are slowly deteriorating (Figure 4).
Campsites 29 through 40 were “primitive” sites located near Little River and Grassy Creek. All were accessible by car or truck. DERA members reserved the primitive sites in advance and were charged a fee of $2 per day. Some sites had a shelter (called a shed by DERA) with picnic tables, such as the shelter (Figure 5) for sites 29 and 30 near High Falls and the shelter (Figure 6) for sites 38 (Figure 7), 39, and 40 near Triple Falls. These shelters were replaced with much sturdier shelters funded by Friends of DuPont Forest after the land was acquired by the NC Forest Service in 2000.
The stone fireplace (Figure 8) near the top of Grassy Creek Falls was used by campers at sites 34 and 35. Chan Hubbard, who was the property manager for the Brevard DuPont plant, told me that the fireplace was built in the early 1900’s by the congregation at the Laurel Creek Church, who reportedly used the location for Easter sunrise services. An afternoon
thunderstorm might have forced campers at sites 34 and 35 to spend another night by Grassy Creek, because getting to and from these sites required a risky drive across the rocky ford on the Little River just above High Falls. That risk was removed when Jim Anthony’s company built the covered bridge across the ford in 1999.
Vehicles had to negotiate a steep slope down a rocky hill by High Falls to get to sites 31, 32, and 33, which were located along River Bend Trail at the base of High Falls. Site 33 is now used as a horse tie-off area. The flat area just upstream from Hooker Falls was the location of campsite 36 (Figure 9) and is a popular picnicking site today. A bouncy ride down Corn Mills Shoals Trail was required to get to “Corn Place”, the name for campsite 37 located near the current horse tie-off by Corn Mill Shoals.
In addition to the forty campsites for DERA members, there were two campsites at Lake Dense that were off-limits to DuPont employees because Lakes Dense and Alford were used to entertain potential customers. Shortly before the customers arrived, the lakes were well-stocked with trout. Customers enjoyed a successful afternoon catching trout and were then treated to a hearty meal of fried fish at the Lake Dense (Figure 10) and Lake Alford (Figure 11) picnic shelters.
Backpack camping was permitted on DuPont’s property, but there were strict rules (Figure 12) regarding campfires and trash. Camping was not allowed within 1500 feet of Lake Julia, which was used as the drinking water supply for employees at the plant. In addition, backpacking camping was not allowed near main plant roads, established campsites one through forty, and the Guion farm fields. Camping under the stars in DuPont Forest must have been a wonderful experience for the employees of the DuPont Corp and their guests.
Visitors are reminded that the area around Lake DERA is closed to the public. The author wishes to thank the NC Forest Service for permission to visit the RV campground at Lake DERA, Bob Twomey for pointing out the locations of some sites and Jeff Jennings for providing the information for Figures 1 and 12. The photograph of the bath house was taken from the October,1977 issue of FOTOFAX. All other photos are courtesy of the author.
Aleen Steinberg
Aleen Steinberg, (Chick) 93, died peacefully at her home on April 7, 2023. Aleen lived the life she loved and loved the life she lived.
Born in Baraboo, Wisconsin, on January 26, 1930 she learned to treasure the outdoors: woods, trails, rivers, flowers, wildlife, and all the living things that surrounded her. While attending UW Madison Aleen found her way to Florida where she fell in love with William (Bill) Steinberg. With Bill, she traveled, built a home in Tampa, and became active in many local civic, cultural and environmental organizations.
Bill and Aleen had two children: Jacquelyn and William. Every summer the four traveled the United States, seeing 48 States, and, without fail, visiting Aleen’s family in Baraboo. One summer, 1962, Aleen and Bill visited friends in Cedar Mountain, and thus began Aleen’s sixty plus year sojourn in Cedar Mountain. Cedar Mountain suited Aleen Steinberg. And Cedar Mountain, Transylvania County, and all of North Carolina have had the benefit of her commitment to the outdoors.
Aleen was a founder of the Friends of DuPont Forest, where the Visitor Center is named after her. Aleen was a founder of Muddy Sneakers. Muddy Sneakers is now a statewide organization, introducing youngsters to the outdoors – outdoors which she learned to love as a child. Her legacy and message to the millions of people who have, and will, enjoy the trails and waterfalls of DuPont Forest, and the children who have, and will, explore the outdoors in Muddy Sneakers, is “take care of our planet, it’s a gift to be treasured”.
Aleen leaves her daughter and son-in-law, Jacquelyn and Bruce Rogow; her son William Stoneman; her grandchildren, Bryce Linden Rogow, Brooks Trystan Rogow (Haylee Madfis), Alyna Jace Rogow (Elliot Sanders) and one great grandchild, Wells Sylvan Sanders. She also leaves her brother, Ronald Behrman (Judy), and niece Krissy Behrman. Aleen was a longtime member of St. Philips Episcopal Church in Brevard.
Aleen traveled the world visiting over 50 countries and every continent except Antarctica. She wrote about her travels in her memoirs Keepin’ On, Walkin On: Tales of Travel and Mid-life Adventure. She leaves this world, but her contributions to it remain forever: “Feel blue, touch green.”
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Report an Issue
Help us track trail issues by reporting them after you visit DuPont State Forest. Please include photos and GPS coordinates if you can!
Maps & Directions
Most driving directions lead to the High Falls Access Area. Directions and information on all access areas are listed below. Traffic can cause long delays on weekends and holidays.
We Inspire Love for Public Lands
INSPIRING Love for Public Lands
We believe that outdoor education is an important aspect of conserving and protecting DuPont State Recreational Forest for generations to come.
We share information about the resources and wonders of the Forest with the public via educational events, newsletters, kiosks, and the annual Forest Festival.
Get involved! Come to an event or join the Events Committee.
Annual DuPont Forest Festival
Held annually on National Public Lands Day, the DuPont Forest Festival is an event celebrating the adventure and beauty of DuPont State Forest.
The DuPont Forest Festival is a free, family friendly event open to the public with a mix of drop-in activities, demonstrations, group tours, and hikes, all perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Our number one goal for the Forest Festival is to teach people to love the Forest. Along with having fun, the activities will weave in education about reducing impacts to the Forest, waterfall safety, trails that serve multiple types of recreationalists, and Forest conservation.
Educational Events
Our events committee organizes an impressive slate of members only events throughout the year including mushroom hikes, astronomy events, and history tours.
Share the Trails Campaign
Dupont Forest trails are used by hikers, biker riders, and equestrians. By knowing who to yield to everyone can enjoy a safe, fun outing.
We Protect the Forest
Friends of DuPont Forest is a strong advocate for the Forest. From water quality to trails to public safety to wildlife, we campaign for policies and investment that protect and conserve the Forest.
We leverage funding for improvements like bridges, bathrooms and the Visitor Center that protect the Forest’s natural resources and enhance recreation.
Our Advocacy Work
For the past several years, Friends of DuPont Forest has advocated for a Master Recreation Plan and in 2024 it is becoming a reality. We are excited to partner with the N.C. Forest service to protect our world-class trail system and meet the challenges of becoming one of the most visited public lands in the southeast.
The goal of the Master Recreation Plan is to create a sustainable trail system that protects a variety of recreational trail experiences while skillfully managing the Forest’s unique environmental resources.
The purpose of the Master Recreation Plan is to develop clear goals and objectives that will act as a guiding document for the NC Forest Service and prioritize needs related to recreation and environmental protection. The end product will suggest capital improvements to enhance the visitor experience while protecting natural resources, along with management recommendations and annual funding requirements.
Friends of DuPont Forest believes that a successful plan will address:
- Visitation
- Parking
- Trail maintenance
- Multi-use trails
- Protection of natural resources
Fundraising for Trails
Through membership support, grant funding, and donations Friends of DuPont Forest keeps the wildlife safe, the water clean, and the trails awesome.
Thanks to our generous donors and members we provide financial support for:
- Major trail projects
- Trail maintenance training
- Capital improvements such a bathrooms and bridges
We Care for the Trails
DuPont Forest has one of the best trail systems in the Southeast and is a favorite among hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, anglers, hunters and summer camps. Since the Forest became public, Friends of DuPont has been there to help build, protect, and maintain the trails in partnership with the N.C. Forest Service
We have a dedicated group of volunteers who spend on average more than 2000 hours a year working in the Forest, which equates to an annual economic benefit to the Forest Service in excess of $45,000.
We have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into trails including work on Ridgeline Trail, Rocky Ridge Trail, the Triple Falls staircase, and the Hooker Falls pedestrian bridge.
Volunteer for the Trail Crew or Trash Bash!
Trail Crew
Our volunteer Trail Crew helps keep our trails simply amazing. No experience necessary, but be ready for some hard and rewarding work. The crew meets every second Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the month.
You do not have to be a member of Friends of DuPont to participate but it would be a whole lot cooler if you were! Join Friends of DuPont.
Watch for upcoming events.
Trash Bash
For 20 years our Trash Bash Crew has led the charge to keep DuPont beautiful. Trash Bash is scheduled 5-6 times a year and announced on our events page.
Invasive Plant Removal
Our Invasive Plant Removal crew meets every other Wednesday during the spring, summer, and fall. With the constant flow of people from all over the country, the Forest’s most popular access areas are prime vectors for invasive species including multiflora rose, bittersweet and shrubby lespedeza.
Trail Projects
Thanks to the support from our members, Friends of DuPont Forest helps to finance contracted trail maintenance projects that increase the sustainability of our world-class trail system.
Events
Hunting
Hunters are required to have a permit to hunt in DuPont Forest. Hunting days are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during hunting season. Hunting safety zones have been established around waterfalls and other high-use areas.
Hunting season is announced in July and typically starts mid-September through January.
Permitting applications and information can be found at the NC Wildlife Resource Commission.
All users should wear blaze orange during hunting season.
Forest or Park? What is the Difference
By Kirsten McDonald
Information and Education Supervisor, DuPont State Recreational Forest
Many outdoor enthusiasts can tell you the differences between a toad and a frog or between a
turtle and tortoise; however, these same people might struggle to explain how a state park and a state forest differ. At the most basic and overly simplified level, the words “park” and “forest” offer clues in how to differentiate the two. “Park” contains the letter “p”, and parks are focused on people. “Forest” contains a “t”, and forests are focused on trees. But, this simple mnemonic device is, of course, a gross oversimplification.
In North Carolina (NC), state parks are governed by the NC Division of Parks and Recreation,
and state forests are governed by the NC Department of Agriculture. Both types of public lands are funded by state revenues and are concerned with protecting our natural resources, but their unique locations within the governmental structure reflects some of their differences. For instance, the NC State Park system’s mission is to “inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation and education.” This mission differs from the NC Forest Service’s mission to “protect, manage and promote forest resources for the citizens of North Carolina.”
The following chart outlines some of the many ways that state parks and state forest are the same and are different.