Notice: There is currently no public access and the parking area is closed due to bridge construction.
Overview
First Mountain State Forest covers 573 acres in Rockingham County. Management focuses on demonstration of scientific forest management, applied forest research, wildlife habitat diversity, watershed protection, development of diverse timber stands that support biological diversity, and opportunities for passive outdoor recreation.
The property contains more than 4 miles of frontage on at least eight perennial and intermittent streams, including Snag Run and a portion of Boone Run, which empty into the South Fork Shenandoah River. The upper reaches of Boone Run are a designated Class II wild trout stream, and the Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service indicates that brook trout are present there.
George Washington and Jefferson National Forest adjoins the state forest to the northwest.
At a Glance
Access Status: Open to the Public
Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk
Physical Address:
Latitude/Longitude:
38° 25′ 56.5″, -78° 40′ 35.8″
Located approximately 4.4 miles northwest of Elkton in Rockingham County, on the northwest side of Bryant Hollow Road.
Parking/Access: Access from Bryant Hollow Road.
Limited parking available in a small parking area at the entrance on Bryant Hollow Road
Restroom Facilities: None
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.
Other Facilities: None
Seasonal Closures: None
DOF recommends that all forest visitors wear blaze orange or pink during hunting seasons.
The property was purchased in 2019 from the Dofflemyer family through funding from the Dupont natural resources damages and restoration settlement and was identified as a land protection project. Originally part of Boones Run Farm, the property was in the Dofflemyer family for multiple generations and was a well-managed tree farm.
Mixed hardwood and pine stands are managed to achieve multiple-use benefits, including demonstration of silvicultural treatments, forest research, forest health, enhanced wildlife management, recreation, environmental education, improved water quality, and timber production.
Recreational uses of First Mountain Forest include hiking, biking, limited hunting, and wildlife watching. Hiking is the most common recreational use with many visitors.
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
- 6 miles of gated forest roads (no vehicles) (2 miles improved road, 4 miles unimproved road)
- No driving past forest gates.
- No developed trails on the forest.
Hiking
Hiking is permitted on all forest roads.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on all 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
Archery and black powder hunting are permitted with a valid State Forest Use Permit and valid hunting license in accordance with state 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.
Other Recreational Opportunities
Passive recreational opportunities, such as wildlife watching and nature photography, are available.
- Self-learning opportunities are available.
Explore tree and wildlife identification, study rock formations, or simply observe nature. The forest demonstrates forest management, harvesting techniques, and best management practices to landowners, loggers, and industry professionals.
Local schools can use the state forest for educational purposes.
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
Jack Kauffman, Forest Manager
900 Natural Resources Drive, Suite 800, Charlottesville, VA 22903
E-mail | (540)395-1226
| Image | Title | ID | Description | Content Type | View | hf:tax:document-category | hf:tax:Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | First Mountain State Forest – General Map | General map of First Mountain State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | First Mountain State Forest – Hunting Map | Hunting map of First Mountain State Forest. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest. Download or print this state forest map – many state forests are remote with limited cell phone service. These maps will work with Avenza Maps™, a mobile map app that allows you to track your movements offline on your iOS and Android device without the need for cell service or internet connection. A free version of this app can be downloaded to your device through your app store. | Map | View | state-forests | map | |
 | First Mountain State Forest Hunting Season Brief | This information sheet provides a brief summary about hunting season in First Mountain State Forest, including various hunting seasons, dates and times. Visit Department of Wildlife Resources for full hunting regulations and seasons. | Document | View | state-forests | document |