Paul State Forest
Rate this placeNearby: Natural Chimneys Park Purcell Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Paul State Forest is located in the state of Virginia and offers a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking outdoor adventure.
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Summary
The forest is named after William K. Paul, who was a prominent conservationist and Virginia's first state forester. There are several good reasons to visit this forest, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
Some specific points of interest to see in Paul State Forest include the Little Dry River, which is a popular spot for fishing. There are also several hiking trails, including the Buck Hill Trail and the Little Cove Mountain Trail. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the forest covers over 3,000 acres and was established in 1930. The forest is managed by the Virginia Department of Forestry and is part of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
The best time of year to visit Paul State Forest depends on individual preferences. Spring and summer are popular times for hiking, camping, and fishing. Fall is a great time to see the changing leaves, and winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Paul State Forest is a beautiful and peaceful destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or hunting, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this natural wonderland.
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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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hone Quarry Campground
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Todd Lake Recreation Area
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North River Campground
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