N.C. Forest Service - DuPont State Recreational Forest Master Recreation Plan

Funding for the DuPont State Recreational Forest (DSRF) Master Recreation Plan was appropriated by the N.C. General Assembly in 2021. The funding includes $200,000 for the development of the master recreation plan and $550,000 for implementing the recommendations of the plan. In addition, the Friends of DuPont Forest donated $100,000 for the project via grants from the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority and the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority.

In late 2024, the N.C. Forest Service formally accepted the completed DSRF Master Recreation Plan. The document includes plans for the forest’s recreational infrastructure based on input from user groups, trail density analyses, as well as forest, wildlife management and natural resource protection objectives. The plan also includes recommendations for trail system management, new and extended trail segments, trail improvements and consolidations, trail closures and trail sustainability.

Please learn more about the DSRF Master Recreation Plan through the following links:

Get to Know DuPont State Recreational Forest

DSRF encompasses more than 12,400 acres in Transylvania and Henderson counties. The forest is managed for natural resource conservation, scenic enjoyment and recreational activities that are sustainable within the context of natural resource protection. DSRF strives to provide an exemplary model of scientifically sound, ecologically based natural resource management for the social and economic benefits of a diverse community of users. DSRF is also required to protect and restore natural areas to meet the intent of a grant agreement that designates most of the forest as a dedicated nature preserve. Find out more about DSRF on our website.

Get to Know the Trails at DSRF

Currently, DSRF has more than 40 miles of multiuse roads and nearly 60 miles of multiuse trails. These multiuse roads and trails support the forest’s many users including educational groups, equestrians, families, fishermen, gravel road bikers, hikers, hunters, mountain bikers, pet-walkers, and runners. This creates unique challenges from ecological, financial and sustainability perspectives.