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Virginia
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Virginia State Parks

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Virginia
Central Region
Cumberland State Forest
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CUMBERLAND STATE FOREST
CUMBERLAND STATE FOREST
The 16,233 acre Cumberland State Forest, located in the piedmont of Virginia, is in Cumberland County; it is north of State Route 60, west of State Route 45 and bordered on the west by the Willis River.
History of the Area
In the early 1800s, the land that now occupies Cumberland State Forest was part of a plantation owned by Colonel Josiah George. The plantation encompassed thousands of acres of woodland and served as a major source of timber and other natural resources.

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the land was of strategic importance due to its proximity to Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy. The plantation and surrounding area saw several skirmishes and military activities during the war.

In the late 1930s, during the Great Depression, the federal government initiated various programs to help provide employment and boost the economy. One such program was the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was responsible for the creation of several public forests across the country, including Cumberland State Forest.

From 1933 to 1941, CCC workers, along with local laborers, worked to develop Cumberland State Forest. They constructed roads, trails, bridges, firebreaks, and picnic areas. They also planted thousands of trees to reforest the land and protect the soil from erosion.

As part of the forest's development, the CCC also built a water system, cabins, and recreational facilities to accommodate visitors. These efforts not only provided significant employment opportunities but also played a crucial role in the conservation and restoration of Cumberland County's natural resources.
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Trails
There are two self-guided trails at Cumberland State Forest that are open for walking, hiking, horses, and mountain bikes. All motorized vehicles are prohibited on state forest lands.Trails are marked by blue blazes painted on trees approximately every 150-200 yards. The forest also has various gated trails and forest roads that can be used.

Cumberland Multi-Use Trail. This 14-mile loop trail weaves through the State Forest and Bear Creek Lake State Park. Trailheads are located at the Cumberland Forestry Center and Bear Creek Lake State Park.

* Foot travel, non-motorized bikes, and horses are permitted.

Willis River Hiking Trail. This 16-mile loop trail follows the Willis River that borders the Forest.

While traveling through the forest, you will observe several different and unique environments. Oak-hickory forests, stands of Loblolly Pine, and harvested areas attract many different forms of wildlife. White-tailed deer, wild turkey and bobcats are common residents of this productive and well managed natural resource.

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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Sleepy Oaks Farm
13111 Reed Rock Rd
Amelia Court Hse, VA
(804) 561-4764

Directions
If you're coming from Richmond, Virginia:
1. Start by heading west on E Broad St toward N 8th St.
2. Turn right onto N Belvidere St.
3. Merge onto I:195 W via the ramp to I-64/I-95/Charlottesville/Washington.
4. Continue onto VA:76 S (signs for Powhite Pkwy).
5. Take exit towards US:60 W/Midlothian Tpke.
6. Take a slight left turn at Old Buckingham Rd.

From Lynchburg, Virginia:
1. Start out going southeast on Church Street towards Main Street.
2. Turn right after Wells Fargo Bank (on the left).
3. Merge with US501 Highway North / Lakeside Drive following signs for Route 460 East/Richmond/Appomattox.
4. Continue straight into State Rte 24 E/E Washington Hwy and follow it until reaching Cumberland County.

For those in Charlottesville, Virginia:
1. Begin southbound on Ridge McIntire Road turning eastward unto Market street which becomes Avon extended road,.
2. Follow this road merging unto Interstate highway:64E then take Exit number #121A Southwards along Scottsville route,.
3. After about half an hour drive,turn Right:Eastwards again through Plank Road till arriving at destination.

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Virginia
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Virginia State Parks

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