Cumberland State Forest

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cumberland State Forest is located in the central region of Virginia and spans over 10,000 acres.


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Summary

The forest is widely known for its diverse range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Visitors can also explore the forest's many points of interest, such as the charming Willis River Trail, which features stunning views of the river and surrounding forest. Other notable areas within the forest include the Bear Creek Lake and the Bear Creek Lake State Park, which offer visitors the opportunity to swim, boat, and fish. Cumberland State Forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and black bears. The best time to visit the forest is during the fall, when the leaves change colors and the temperatures are mild. Overall, Cumberland State Forest is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Virginia.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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