Cumberland State Forest

Forest History

The land that comprises Cumberland State Forest has a long history of farming. Evidence of the land’s former inhabitants can be seen in the cemeteries and old homesteads scattered throughout the forest. By the mid-1930s, much of this land had become unproductive and was highly eroded. At that time, the federal government began purchasing marginal farmland under the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act, enacted to help conserve and restore the health of the land. Much of this purchased land was soon leased to the state. In 1954, the federal government deeded land to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Cumberland State Forest was born. Under the Virginia Department of Forestry’s management, the forest grew to its present 16,222 acres in central Virginia’s Cumberland County.

Cumberland State Forest is rich in history. The Charles Irving Thornton tombstone, with an inscription written by Charles Dickens, is on the National Register of Historical Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. The forest is also the site of Col. Jesse Thomas’ homestead. Colonel Thomas rode his famous horse “Fearnaught” through the night to warn Baron Von Steuben that Cornwallis was coming, thus saving Von Steuben’s regiment and the Continental Army’s sole remaining supplies in Virginia.

Forest Management

One management goal on the Cumberland State Forest is sustainable timber production. Management activities on the State Forest demonstrate good forestry and conservation practices and provide sites for applied research in forestry. Wildlife habitat, recreation, and watershed protection are all compatible with sound timber management strategies.

In the 1930s, much of today’s forest was open farmland. When farming ceased, native pines colonized the abandoned fields. Today, the Cumberland State Forest contains a diversity of timber types, including loblolly pine stands and mature oak-hickory forest.

About Your State Forests

The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) manages 19 State Forests and other state lands, totaling 55,275 acres. Virginia’s State Forests are managed for multiple uses: water quality, recreation, forest products, wildlife and scenic beauty. The primary management goals of individual State Forests may vary, usually depending on the wishes of the donor of the land.

The State Forests of Virginia are self-supporting and receive no taxpayer funds for operation. Operating funds are generated from the sale of forest products. In addition, up to 25 percent of the revenue received from the sale of forest products is returned to the counties in which the forests are located. You can support educational programs on your State Forests by donating a portion of your state tax refund to Virginia’s State Forests Fund.

The 16,233 acre Cumberland State Forest, located in the piedmont of Virginia, is in Cumberland County; it is north of State Route 60, west of State Route 45 and bordered on the west by the Willis River.

Bear Creek Lake State Park, operated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is located within the Forest and offers camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, and hiking. Permanent campsites are installed inside the State Park.

Hours of Operation / Scheduling

• Cumberland State Forest is open daily from dawn to dusk. Email the forest personnel.
• Cumberland State Forest, 751 Oak Hill Road, Cumberland, Virginia 23040-2511, Phone: 804.492.4l2l, Fax: 804.492.9213. Office Location: Intersection of State Route 628 and 629. Map and Directions.
• Bear Creek Lake State Park, 22 Bear Creek Lake Road, Cumberland, Virginia 23040. Phone: 804.492.4410.

Fees

There are no charges to walk, hike or canoe on the state forest.

State Forest Use Permit

As of July 1, 2009, a State Forest Use Permit is required for those persons aged 16 or older to practice the following activities on a state forest:

• ride horses
• ride mountain bikes
• hunt
• fish
• trap

A valid Virginia hunting license or fishing license in addition to a State Forest Permit ($15 per year) are required for hunting, trapping or fishing on the forest.

A State Forest Use Permit is not required for forest visitors who practice the following activities on a state forest:

• walking
• hiking
• boating

Permits can be purchased two ways

• Go to any location where you purchase a hunting license. Ask the clerk for the "State Forest Permit" to be added to your license.
• Use your credit card and purchase a permit online from the Virginia Department Of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) Web site.

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking

There are two self-guided trails at Cumberland State Forest that are open for walking, hiking, horses, and mountain bikes. All motorized vehicles are prohibited on these state forest trails. The forest also has various gated trails and forest roads that can be used.

• Trail Map

Cumberland Multi-Use Trail. This 14-mile loop trail weaves through the State Forest and Bear Creek Lake State Park. Trailheads are located at the Cumberland Forestry Center and Bear Creek Lake State Park. The trail is marked by blue blazes painted on trees approximately every 150-200 yards.

• Foot travel, non-motorized bikes, and horses are permitted.

Willis River Hiking Trail. This 16-mile loop trail follows the Willis River that borders the Forest. The trail is marked by white blazes painted on trees every 150-200 yards.

While traveling through the forest, you will observe several different and unique environments. Oak-hickory forests, stands of Loblolly Pine, and harvested areas attract many different forms of wildlife. White-tailed deer, wild turkey and bobcats are common residents of this productive and well managed natural resource.

Trail Rules

• Be courteous to other trail users. Hikers should yield the right of way to equestrians. Bikers should yield to hikers and equestrians.
• Please help us keep the trail clean.
• Stay on the marked trail at all times.
• Be extremely cautious at road crossings. Stop, look and listen, and then proceed only if you are sure it is safe to do so.

Camping

Camping is only allowed in the Bear Creek Lake State Park.

Canoeing

Canoeing is permitted on Bear Creek Lake.

Fishing

A Virginia fishing license is required to use the five lakes located within the forest:

• Bear Creek Lake located at Bear Creek Lake State Park
• Oak Hill Lake located off of Route 629
• Winston Lake located off of Route 629
• Arrowhead Lake located off of Route 629
• Bonbrook Lake located off of Route 626

Horseback Riding

Coggins Test Certificates must be available for each horse on State lands.

We recommend that equestrians dismount and lead their horse over bridges and across streams.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted on the Cumberland State Forest. All persons, except those legally exempt under Virginia law, must carry a valid Virginia hunting license AND a State Forest Permit to hunt or trap on the forest.

State Forest Permits

Permits can be purchased two ways:

• Go to any location where you purchase a hunting license. Ask the clerk for the "State Forest Permit" to be added to your license.
• Use your credit card and purchase a permit online from the Virginia Department Of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) Web site.

State Forest hunting regulations and seasons follow those of the county in which the State Forest is located. Check the Virginia Department Of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) Hunting & Trapping Regulations and Information brochure or their Web site for special restrictions on State Forest lands, such as Either-Sex Deer Hunting Days.

Hunting is allowed on most of the forest, however, hunting is prohibited in the following safety zones (surrounding areas of):

• VDOF Office
• houses
• state roads
• Bear Creek Lake
• Bear Creek Lake State Park
• Game Sanctuary

Wear blaze orange during hunting season.

Picnicking

• One shelter is available on the forest at Winston Lake on Route 629.
• Permanent structures are set up with Bear Creek Lake State Park.

Swimming

Swimming is permitted in Bear Creek Lake.

Last modified: Tuesday, 17-Nov-2009 09:41:10 EST