Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest is a beautiful natural area located in central Virginia.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, with many great reasons to visit. The forest covers over 19,000 acres and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer.
One of the main draws of the forest is its extensive trail system, which includes over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. There are also several scenic overlooks and picnic areas throughout the forest, making it a great spot for a family day trip.
Some of the specific points of interest to see in the forest include the High Bridge Trail State Park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and the Holliday Lake State Park, which is home to a beautiful lake and offers opportunities for fishing and boating.
There are also several interesting facts about the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. For example, the area was once home to the Appomattox Iron Works, which played a significant role in the Civil War. The forest also contains several old-growth forests, which are rare in Virginia.
The best time of year to visit the forest depends on your interests. Spring and fall are generally the most popular times for outdoor activities, as the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. However, summer can also be a great time to visit, especially if you enjoy swimming or boating in the lake. Winter can be a bit chilly, but it is a great time to see the forest covered in snow and to enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Bluefield City Park
Pinnacle Rock State Park
Anawalt Public Fishing Area
Wilderness Hunting Camp Creek
Wilderness Kimberling Creek