Zoar State Forest

Zoar State Forest, at Aylett in King William County, was established in 1987 when 378 acres were donated to the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). This land is used to grow timber and agricultural crops, maintain habitat for various species of wildlife, and to provide educational and recreational opportunities.

All state forests are managed by the VDOF for multiple-use purposes, including watershed protection, recreation, timber production, fishing, and applied forest research. Learn how VDOF and other agencies are enabling quail habitats on the forest.

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

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) l Canoeing l Fishing l Hiking l Hunting l Picnicking

History

Mt. Zoar house at the state forest. This property, originally a part of the large estate of William Aylett, was purchased in 1782 by Robert Pollard. He built his home here and named it "Mt. Zoar". The frame house, partially destroyed by fire in 1851, was rebuilt using brick by Robert Pollard, Jr.

From 1884-1885, the house and most of the handsome furniture it contained were totally destroyed by fire. The present house was built in 1890.

In 1987, the property was donated to the VDOF. The house, which is surrounded by several outbuildings, now contains the field offices for personnel assisting landowners in King William and King and Queen Counties. These personnel also maintain Zoar State Forest.

The office is only open when VDOF personnel are present.

Hours of Operation / Scheduling

Zoar State Forest is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Groups planning a trip to Zoar should call in advance to schedule their visit. VDOF personnel may be available to provide a guided tour. Expanded brochures for the nature trail are available on a loan basis.
Map l Directions To This Office
Zoar State Forest, 4445 Upshaw Road, Aylett, Virginia 23009, 804.769.2962

Fees

There are no charges to visit the state forest.

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking

There are two self-guided trails at Zoar State Forest. Trail brochures are located at the beginning of the main forest trail and at the office.

Main forest trail - (2 miles) - This trail features wildlife and forest management practices, including creating edge, disk plots, various grass plantings, and pine and hardwood stand management. A wildlife plant demonstration nursery containing plantings is near the parking area.

Foot travel and non-motorized bikes are permitted.
A restroom is available (at the office, if it is open).

Nature trail - (1.4 miles) - This trail is divided into two loops. Hike at Zoar!

The Mattaponi Bluffs loop (1 mile) meanders through upland and bottomland forests, crosses wetlands and offers gorgeous views of the Mattaponi River. The Mattaponi Bluffs loop will occasionally flood in late winter and early spring after periods of heavy rain.

A trail guide is available.

The Herring Creek loop (0.4 mile) offers views of Herring Creek and bottomland hardwoods while winding through upland hardwood forests. A trail guide is available.

Foot travel only.
No restroom facilities.
Contains sets of steps.

When you hike, be sure to carry the Leaves of Common Trees (English, PDF format)

Trail Rules

Be courteous to other trail users.
Bikers should yield to hikers.
Please help us keep the trail clean.
Stay on the marked trail at all times.

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

ATVs are not permitted on any of the state forests.

Canoeing

A canoe ramp is provided on Herring Creek at the loop trail.
Canoe trips: Traveling approximately 4 miles down the Mattaponi River to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries boat landing at Aylett takes about 2.5 to 4 hours.
Information on outfitters will be provided on request.

Fishing

Fishing is available in the Mattaponi River and Herring Creek.
A Virginia fishing license is required; no additional state forest license is required.

Hunting

Hunting is prohibited on the Zoar State Forest.

Picnicking

Three picnic tables are available, located near the office.

Last modified: Thursday, 13-Mar-2008 20:31:30 UTC