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Welcome to the Virginia Department Of Forestry

Cumberland State Forest

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.

All state forests are managed by the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) for multiple-use purposes, including watershed protection, recreation, timber production, hunting, fishing, and applied forest research.

The state forests are self-supporting (no taxes are used to operate the system). In addition one-fourth of all income is returned to Cumberland County. Income is received from the sale of forest products and hunting stamp sales.

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.

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) l Camping l Canoeing l Fishing l Hiking l Horesback Riding l Hunting
Picnicking l Scheduling l Swimming

Hours of Operation / Scheduling

Fees

There are no charges to visit the state forest.

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.

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.

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

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

ATVs are not permitted on any of the state forests.

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:

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 ($16 per year) to hunt or trap on the forest.

State Forest Permits

Permits can be purchased two ways:

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):

Wear blaze orange during hunting season.

Hunter's Map (web version l print version - letter l legal)

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: Thursday, 13-Mar-2008 20:31:29 UTC