Hawks State Forest
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Hawks State Forest is a beautiful forest located in the state of Virginia.
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Summary
It spans over 4,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife and flora. There are many good reasons to visit the forest, such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching. The forest is also a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Virginia and to take in the sights and sounds of the forest.
There are many specific points of interest to see in Hawks State Forest. One of the most popular is the interpretive trail, which is a short, easy hike that takes visitors through the forest and provides information about the wildlife and ecosystems of the area. Other attractions include the picnic areas, which offer scenic views of the forest, and the campground, which provides a great place to spend the night.
Interesting facts about the forest include its history as a former farming and logging area. The forest has undergone extensive reforestation efforts over the years, and now features a variety of hardwood and pine trees. The forest is also home to many species of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and black bears.
The best time of year to visit Hawks State Forest depends on what activities you are interested in. Spring and summer are great times to enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing, while fall is a popular time for hunting and birdwatching. Winter is also a beautiful time to visit, with snow-covered trees and peaceful, quiet trails. Overall, Hawks State Forest is a great place to visit for anyone interested in nature and outdoor recreation.
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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.
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