Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest
The 6,496 acres of the Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest is located in the piedmont of Virginia. The forest is located 15 miles southeast of Farmville, 5 miles southeast of Burkeville along state route 696 and 613.
Virignia's first state forest was a gift from Emmett Dandridge Gallion.
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 Prince Edward County. Income is received from the sale of forest products and hunting stamp sales.
Twin Lakes State Park, operated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, is located within the Forest. The Cedar Crest Conference Center at Twin Lakes is available for wedding receptions, family reunions and meetings on a reservation basis, call 434.767.2398. The park offers camping (water & electrical hook-ups), cabins, picnicking, boating, and hiking. Swimming and concessions are available during the summer only. To make a reservation for overnight accommodations, please call 1.800.933.7275. Campsites are installed inside the park.
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) l Camping l Canoeing l Fishing l Hiking l Horesback
Riding l Hunting
Picnicking l Scheduling
Hours of Operation / Scheduling
- Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest is open daily from dawn to dusk.
- The trail will be closed except on Sundays from the first Saturday in November to the 15th of January due to heavy use of the forest by hunters.
- Twin Lakes State Park, 788 Twin Lakes Rd., Green Bay, VA 23942, Phone: 434.392.3435. Map
Fees
There are no charges to visit the state forest.
Recreation Opportunities
Hiking
There is one primary trail at Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest that is open for walking, hiking, horses, and mountain bikes. All motorized vehicles are prohibited on state forest lands.Trails are marked by blue blazes painted on trees approximately every 150-200 yards. The forest also has various gated trails and forest roads that can be used.
Prince Edward-Gallion Multi-Use Trail - This is an eight-mile non-loop trail leading through the state forest.
While traveling through the forest, you will observe several different and unique environments. Oak-hickory forests, stands of Loblolly Pine, and cut over 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.
- Foot travel, non-motorized bikes, and horses are permitted.
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. Please put litter in it's proper place, or carry it out with you.
- Stay on the marked trail at all times.
- Be extremely cautious at road crossings. Stop, took and listen, and then proceed only if you are sure it is safe to do so.
Flippen, Gallion, and Cheatham roads are open for vehicular traffic. Please be aware of this and stay to the right side of the roads.
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
ATVs are not permitted on any of the State Forests.
Camping
Camping is only allowed in the Twin Lakes State Park.
Canoeing
Canoeing is permitted on the lakes.
Fishing
A Virginia fishing license is required to use Twin Lakes within the Forest.
Horseback Riding
Horses are permitted on the Prince Edward-Gallion Multi-Use Trail.
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 Prince Edward-Gallion 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:
- 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 prohibited in the following safety zones (surrounding areas of):
- VDOF Office
- houses
- state roads
- Twin Lakes State Park
Wear blaze orange during hunting season.
Hunter's Map (Web version l print version - letter)
Picnicking
Permanent structures are available within Twin Lakes State Park.
Last modified: Thursday, 13-Mar-2008 20:31:29 UTC