Virginia Department
of Forestry

In 2008, the Virginia General Assembly approved a bond through the Virginia Public Building Authority that enabled the Commonwealth to acquire and/or have conservation easements placed upon large tracts of important conservation lands at key sites across the state. This was commonly known as the “Conservation Bond.” Using these funds in 2010, the Virginia Department of Forestry purchased 2,202 acres from The Nature Conservancy to create the Big Woods State Forest.

As part of the same land transaction that created the Big Woods State Forest, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources purchased approximately 2,208 acres to create the Big Woods Wildlife Management Area. Both of these tracts lie immediately south of The Nature Conservancy’s 3,179-acre Piney Grove Preserve. This makes for a continuous block of forest, about 7,587 acres in size, that is protected from development and will be managed for a variety of forest resources in perpetuity.

All of this property had been owned and managed for wood fiber by Union Camp Corporation since the 1930s. In 1993, Hancock Timber Resource Group acquired the property, then sold it to the Nature Conservancy in 1998. The management emphasis has historically been strongly focused on pine pulpwood production.

The Big Woods State Forest is managed to be biologically and economically sustainable. Like all state forests, Big Woods is certified to Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and American Tree Farm System standards. Initial timber sales have focused on pine thinnings and harvesting timber that is in the poorest condition with the least potential for growth. Forest types typically associated with the coastal plain of Virginia will be maintained.
Loblolly and longleaf pine plantations cover 88% of the forest. The other 12% is classified as non-commercial forestland – this includes bottomland hardwoods (found mostly in the floodplains along riparian buffers), scrub wetlands, and road right-of-ways.

Rare and Endangered Species

The federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is found on the adjacent TNC property and has the potential to move into the state forest as the pines age. Although no endangered species have been documented on the forest itself, wetlands, streams, and historically undisturbed sites offer the highest chance of harboring rare species.

Recreational uses of the Big Woods State Forest include hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching.

Visitors are asked to adopt a “leave-no-trace” ethic when visiting the forest, as there are no restrooms or trash cans on the forest itself.

ATV/ORV use, camping, and swimming are prohibited on all State Forests.

A State Forest Use Permit* is required for individuals aged 16 and older to hunt, fish, trap, horseback ride, or mountain bike on state forest lands. The permit can be purchased online at or where hunting licenses are sold.

Visitors are asked to adopt a “leave-no-trace” ethic when visiting the forest, as there are no restrooms or trash cans on the forest itself.

ATV/ORV use, camping, and swimming are prohibited on all State Forests.

A State Forest Use Permit* is required for individuals aged 16 and older to hunt, fish, trap, horseback ride, or mountain bike on state forest lands. The permit can be purchased online or where hunting licenses are sold.

Trails and Roads

• 4.2 miles of forest roads (vehicles allowed)
• 8.2 miles of gated forest roads (no vehicles)
• No driving past forest gates.

Hiking

Hiking is permitted on forest roads.

Mountain Biking

Biking is permitted on forest roads.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is permitted on forest roads.

State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins test report with each horse on state lands.

Fishing and Boating

None

Hunting and Trapping

Hunting and trapping are permitted with a valid State Forest Use Permit and valid hunting license in accordance with state regulations and Sussex County firearms regulations.

Note that some regulations may be different than on private land, so check Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Hunting Regulations for specific state forest details.

View additional hunting resources below under Maps and Additional Resources.

Other Recreational Opportunities

Other passive recreational opportunities, such as wildlife watching and nature photography, are available.

Airfield Conference Center/Southeast 4-H Educational Center is located approximately 5 miles to the east.

• Self-learning opportunities are available.

For more information or questions, e-mail us or use our contact form.

State Forest Main Office
Located at Cumberland State Forest
751 Oak Hill Road, Cumberland, VA 23040-2511
E-mail | (804) 492-4121

Local Contact
Dennis Gaston, Forest Manager
11301 Pocahontas Trail, Providence Forge, VA 23140
E-mail | (804) 966-2209