Explore Forest, North Carolina, with this interactive street and satellite map.
| City | Forest |
| State | North Carolina (NC) |
| County | Craven County |
| Country | United States of America |
| Timezone | Eastern Time (America/New_York) |
| Latitude | 35.161549 |
| Longitude | -77.04717 |
| Population | 7,377 |
| Density | N/A /km² |
| Incorporated | N/A |
| ZIP Codes | 28560, 28519 |
| Area Code | 910 |
| County Seat | New Bern |
Forest defines its rugged character through the winding path of the Mills Branch that cuts through the landscape with a quiet, persistent energy. It lies 3.7 miles north of New Bern, NC (from New Bern, NC: bearing 357°T), and is situated 5.1 miles north of James City. The surrounding terrain is shaped by a distinct coastal proximity, where the salt-heavy air drifts inland from the nearby open coastline to temper the heat of the afternoon. Only two miles away, the dark, still waters of Shad Cove mirror the shifting clouds, while the verdant expanse of the Neuse River Game Land provides a sanctuary for wildlife just a short walk from the center. To the west, the land rises slightly toward the distant, rolling edges of Deep Gully, offering a subtle contrast to the flat, marshy reaches that define the eastern horizon. Travelers often pause along the Duffy Trail to observe how the light catches the reeds near Marsh Island, turning the water into a sheet of hammered silver at dusk.
History in Forest remains anchored to the traditional industries of the region, where the steady output of tobacco and textile production once built the foundations of the local economy. Hard-working generations translated the bounty of the soil into a resilient commercial spirit, adapting their trade to meet the changing demands of a modern marketplace. The labor of the past still resonates in the quiet brick facades that line the main thoroughfare, reminding residents of the grit required to sustain a livelihood in this corner of the state. Those seeking a respite from the workaday world often retreat to the banks of Cypress Lake, where the stillness of the water suggests a pace of life that values reflection over haste. Even as new industry takes root, the town maintains a steady, deliberate rhythm that honors the craft and perseverance of those who came before.
Cultural life in Forest expresses itself through a deep appreciation for the Southern ballad tradition and the communal bonds forged over shared meals. Neighbors frequently gather to celebrate the distinctive regional approach to barbecue, a culinary heritage that defines the flavors of the local table with authentic precision. While the pace of daily existence remains modest, the pride of the people is reflected in the maintenance of local landmarks that serve as quiet gathering points for the community. Visitors might encounter the legacy of figures like the legendary NASCAR driver Junior Johnson, whose influence on the competitive spirit of the region remains a point of intense pride for many. Whether through the seasonal festivals that mark the passage of time or the simple act of greeting a passerby on the street, the character of Forest is found in its enduring hospitality.
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This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Forest, North Carolina. Coordinates: 35.161549, -77.04717. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.
Detailed location data for Forest includes the ZIP code (28560, 28519), telephone area code (910), county seat of Craven County (New Bern), and school district assignment.
Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.
| Page generated | August 2026 |
| Location data | SimpleMaps US Cities Database; coordinates matched to USGS GNIS definitive data |
| Wikipedia validation | Article content matched to USGS GNIS coordinates via Wikipedia geosearch API. |