The 8 Best Forests in Virginia, United States

April 13, 2022 Tambra Mccollister

Virginia can make American history come alive. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, tour Civil War battlefields, explore the living history museum at Williamsburg… the possibilities are endless (if the kids object, break up the historical sightseeing with a visit to Busch Gardens). Arlington, site of Arlington National Cemetery, is just across the Potomac River from all the major sites in D.C. In addition to beaches and historical attractions, Virginia has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Active families will love the Blue Ridge Highlands, where hiking, canoeing and tubing are just a few of the activities offered. Couples might enjoy a romantic mountain cabin in Virginia after a day of hiking in Shenandoah National Park.
Restaurants in Virginia

1. George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Edinburgh Gap Rd, Millboro, VA 24460 +1 540-265-5100 http://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj/
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 35 reviews

George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Founded in 1917, this forest is the site of many recreational activities, including hiking, biking and fishing.

Reviewed By only1kirk - Salisbury, United States

We came here to go off roading and enjoy nature and we were not dissapointed. We did however have a rough time trying to find the trail head and the pass to be on the trail as we could not find a visitors center. We bought our pass at a gas station nearby and some old timers told us where to go. It was 11 miles of gravel light rocks hills and valleys. Only some spots were technical for a near stock jeep. It was alot of fun and took about 3 hours.

2. Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Park

6610 Blackwells Hollow Rd, Crozet, VA 22932-1537 http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=parks&relpage=12998
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Park

3. General Sheppard Crump Memorial Park

3400 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060 http://henrico.us/rec/places/meadow-farm/
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

General Sheppard Crump Memorial Park

4. Bush Mill Stream Natural Area Preserve

2396 Knights Run Rd, Heathsville, VA 22473-3801 +1 804-786-7951
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Bush Mill Stream Natural Area Preserve

Reviewed By urbanguy - Richmond, United States

This 103 acre site is "owned" by Virginia's DCR (Dept. of Conservation and Recreation). It is less than 4 miles from Heathsville, VA, in Northumberland County. The parking lot is small, maybe for 5 or 6 cars. There is a very nice trail that meanders through a dense forest until it comes down to the water level of Bush Mill Stream. A side trail, the Heron Loop, brings you to an observation platform above a beautiful marsh. But, bring insect spray!

5. Peaks of Otter Visitor Center

Blue Ridge Parkway, VA 24523 +1 866-387-9905 http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/upload/peaks-of-otter2.pdf
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 155 reviews

Peaks of Otter Visitor Center

Reviewed By march0g

Sharp Top, Flat Top, Harkening Hill - Johnson Farm loop, Cascades, Abbott Lake Trail and Trail from Lodge to Picnic area are all excellent hikes within a few minutes drive of the visitor center. Being so close to both Roanoke and Bedford, VA, one can also combine activities like movies with an "outdoor" vacation. You can stay in the nearby Peaks of Otter Lodge or campground, or in Bedford (20 min drive away). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also available at the lodge (and in Bedford) and there is a bar in the lodge. At the visitor center you can get trail advice and maps and also join ranger led activities. Often there are demonstrations at the Johnson Farm. Summary: there is a lot for a several day family vacation that can fit into even small budgets for spring, summer, and fall. (Facilities at the Peaks are closed in winter, but the trails are open. In winter, use Bedford as your base of operations.)

6. Powhatan State Park

4616 Powhatan State Park Rd, Powhatan, VA 23139-4868 +1 804-598-7148 http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/powhatan
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Powhatan State Park

Reviewed By jeannettey_12 - Midlothian, United States

First off, so glad dogs are on leash as there were quite a few walking them during this quarantine time.........WHAT a gorgeous park as it was 80 degrees today on May 1st we are so thankful parks are OPEN and thankful this one has some porta potties open YAYYY. This place has many and awesome trails... turkey trail is in and out of shade and sun.......the bird chorus is awesome, Love bird songs!! My hubs and I will return as we had a wonderful hour and half hike..some trails are bike friendly, some with horses.......it's all good and on the James River so you can drive to a closer lot to park car near the river unless you want a steep climb back up and take the turkey trail.. loved it; good workout!! Also did the woods trail......

7. Cumberland State Forest

751 Oak Hill Rd, Cumberland, VA 23040-2511

8. Conway Robinson State Forest

Conway Robinson State Forest Rt 29, Gainesville, VA 20155 http://www.dof.virginia.gov/stateforest/list/conway-robinson.htm#parkinghours

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