Niday Place State Forest

Overview

Niday Place is a 264.5-acre state forest in Craig County. Its primary uses are natural resource conservation and demonstration of forestry practices. The upland hardwood forest has several small streams and features views into Johns Creek Valley and beyond. Remnants of an old farmstead can be found in the northern portion of the forest.

×To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please read Before You Visit when planning your trip to a state forest.

At a Glance

Access Status: Open to the Public, but no direct access
Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk

MAP

Physical Address:
Latitude/Longitude:
37° 23’ 14.9”, -80° 23’ 36.2”
John’s Creek Mountain Road, New Castle, VA 24128

Parking/Access: Only access is via a small pull-off on Route 658; no parking available; do not block the gate

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

Forest History

The Niday Place State Forest was gifted to the Commonwealth by Anne Cutler in 1989. Ms. Cutler wanted to conserve this piece of forestland on the north side of Johns Creek Mountain for research and educational use. A comprehensive Archeological Study of the circa-1900 farmstead on the property was completed and is on file at the Cumberland State Forest office.

Forest Management

The forest is managed for multiple-use benefits including wildlife, recreation, watershed protection, education, and forest management demonstrations. The overall objective is to maintain the natural forest beauty while improving the quality and quantity of use benefits to the public.

Recreational Opportunities

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

  • 0.4 mile of gated forest roads (no vehicles)
  • No driving past forest gates.

Hiking

Hiking is permitted on all forest roads, but there is no parking available.

Although there are no trails or parking on the forest itself, the Appalachian Trail crosses within a few hundred feet of the property and is easily accessed from the state forest.

Mountain Biking

None

Horseback Riding

None

Fishing and Boating

None

Hunting and Trapping

None

Other Recreational Opportunities

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

Educational Opportunities
  • Self-learning opportunities are available.
Contact Us

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
Virginia Department of Forestry Western Regional Office
210 Riverland Drive, PO Box 100, Salem VA, 24153
(540) 387-5461

Maps and Additional Resources
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Niday Place State Forest - General Map
Niday Place State Forest – General Map

General map of Niday Place 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.

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