Overview
The 121-acre Hawks State Forest is located in Carroll County. Virginia’s smallest state forest, the Hawks lies on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, the slope where the mountains meet the Piedmont.
Conservation of forest resources is this forest’s main purpose. Turkey Creek crosses the property. Mixed upland hardwoods and cove hardwoods predominate. The stand of yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) that can be seen along Route 620 features trees well over 100 feet tall and still growing.
The forest adjoins the Stewarts Creek Wildlife Management Area, which is owned and managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
At a Glance
Access Status: Open to the Public
Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk
Physical Address:
Latitude/Longitude:
36° 36’ 12”, -80° 46’ 20”
Route 620, Lambsburg Road, Lambsburg, VA 24351
Parking/Access: Access and road shoulder parking on Route 620
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
The overall objective is to maintain healthy, high-quality timber and provide other use benefits to the public, and to manage the property for the best use of the resources to benefit the area. The Hawks State Forest is a living laboratory for managing a valuable timber resource, watershed, and aesthetics in such a manner that other public benefits are not permanently impaired.
Recreational uses of the Hawks State Forest are limited to nature study 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 or where hunting licenses are sold.
Trails and Roads
- No roads or developed trails on the forest.
Hiking
None
Mountain Biking
None
Horseback Riding
None
Fishing and Boating
None
Hunting and Trapping
None
Other Recreational Opportunities
Passive recreational opportunities, such as wildlife watching and nature photography, are available.
- 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
Zach Olinger, Forest Manager and Education Specialist
106 Forestry Lane, Galax, VA 24333
E-mail | (276) 236-2322
| Image | Title | ID | Description | Content Type | View | hf:tax:document-category | hf:tax:Media |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Hawks State Forest – General Map | General map of Hawks 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 |