Welcome to Bent Creek Experimental Forest

Bent Creek Experimental Forest is the oldest federal experimental forest east of the Mississippi river. It encompasses nearly 6,000 acres within the Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, North Carolina. It was established in 1925 for the purpose of conducting research on forest regeneration and erosion control, and also to provide a demonstration of forest management practices. Long-term research conducted at Bent Creek Experimental Forest has improved our understanding of silviculture and forest ecology in hardwood forests of the Southern Appalachian Highlands. Research results are used on private and public lands for better forest management. The Demonstration Forest and research studies at Bent Creek Experimental Forest provide a hands-on way to see the results of different forest management practices and deliver new research findings to land managers, landowners, researchers, students, and the general public.

Current and long-term research conducted by scientists at Bent Creek Experimental Forest includes erosion control, fire, insects, diseases, timber production, forest degradation, forest ecology, forest classification, natural disturbance, acorn and forest fruit production, water quality, wildlife ecology and recreation. Some of our current research focuses on relationships between forest types and environmental gradients, hardwood regeneration, stand development, wildlife ecology, and forest fruit and nut production. The results of this research are currently applied by forest managers over much of the Southern Appalachian Highland forests.

Research Over the Years

Over the years, the unit has conducted research on erosion control, fire, insects, diseases, timber production, forest degradation, forest composition, forest classification, mast and fruit production, water quality, wildlife and recreation. The results of this research are being applied over mush of the Southern Appalachian forests. Please visit our research and products & pubs link for additional information on past and current research.

Our Unit Organization

Bent Creek Experimental Forest is currently the headquarters and Field laboratory for “Ecology and Management of Southern Appalachian Hardwoods”, research work unit 4101, maintained under the Southern Research Station by the USDA Forest Service.

The unit will soon be part of a new unit called “Upland Hardwood Ecology and Management”, research work unit 4157. This new unit will combine several of the old research work units under one name. Scientist will be located across the southeast, strategically placed at optimal areas to conduct research in upland hardwood ecosystems. The research unit located in Normal, Alabama conducting research on the Cumberland Plateau was part of the old research unit 4101. They will now also be a part of the new research work unit 4157. (more)

Learn about Forest Research

Bent Creek Experimental Forest was established to conduct research and educate natural resource professionals and others about forest management in the southern Appalachians. Demonstration areas showing silvicultural treatments and forest management practices are located on the forest. Interpretive signs are located along the demonstration forest and along three interpretive trails. Customized tours can be arranged in advance for groups interested in learning about forest management practices and research at Bent Creek Experimental Forest.

Recreational Fun

Lake Powhatan recreational area and the NC Arboretum are located inside the experimental forest boundaries. The Blue Ridge Parkway borders the east and south boundaries. There are over 44 miles of trails within Bent Creek Experimental Forest that are accessible for your enjoyment. Please visit the Recreation link for more details.