Matthews State Forest park
Matthews State Forest
One of the main reasons to visit Matthews State Forest is to enjoy the peaceful and serene natural environment. The forest is home to several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the nearby streams or hunting in designated areas of the forest.
Some of the main points of interest in Matthews State Forest include the forest's impressive collection of trees and plants. The forest is home to several species of oak and hickory trees, as well as a variety of wildflowers and ferns. Visitors can also explore the forest's many streams and waterfalls.
Interesting facts about Matthews State Forest include that it is named after a local conservationist, Lacey C. Matthews. Matthews worked tirelessly to protect Virginia's natural areas and was instrumental in the creation of several state parks.
The best time of year to visit Matthews State Forest is during the fall when the foliage is at its most vibrant. Visitors can enjoy hiking through the forest's many trails and taking in the stunning views of the changing leaves. Spring is also a great time to visit, as the forest comes to life with blooming flowers and fresh greenery.
Overall, Matthews State Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. With its beautiful natural environment, diverse range of flora and fauna, and many outdoor activities, it is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Matthews State Forest, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cliffview Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Camp Raven Knob | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Sunrise Cabin | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Raven Cliff Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Raven Cliff | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Raven Cliff Recreation Area | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Matthews State Forest as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Matthews State Forest
What can I do at Matthews State Forest?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Matthews State Forest?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Matthews State Forest.