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Virginia
211

Virginia State Parks

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USA Parks
Virginia
Northern Region
Whitney State Forest
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Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest almost spring © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest Fall Foilage © Bryan A. Sunday
Fall Foilage
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest Daily Daisy © Bryan A. Sunday
Whitney State Forest Tall trees © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest Cinderellas Castle © Peter Dyrholm
Described by my daughter as Cinderellas castle. Took me a while to see it though -
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
Whitney State Forest © Peter Dyrholm
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WHITNEY STATE FOREST
WHITNEY STATE FOREST
The 147-acre Whitney State Forest is the perfect size for an early morning walk or an evening bike ride. The forest holds over six miles of trails that weave their way back and forth around a central fire road. These woods are primarily deciduous, making a beautiful spectacle come fall when the leaves change colors. The forest holds many familiar residents, with blue jay regularly heard scolding year- round and yellow-rumped warblers and ruby-crowned kinglets coming in thick as the weather begins to get colder. Spring is the most exciting time in the forest when many neotropical songbirds stop in. In addition to a variety of warblers and vireos, visitors should look out for scarlet tanagers and stunning rose-breasted grosbeaks. Summer is the best time to search for butterflies here when red-spotted purples flutter along the paths and tiny pearl crescents scatter through the wildflowers. Dragonflies to look out for include common whitetails and ebony jewelwings, especially along the streambed.
History of the Area
1. Acquisition and Establishment:.
- The land that comprises Whitney State Forest was acquired by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1929.
- Initially, the land was purchased by the state for the purposes of reforestation and conservation efforts.

2. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Era (1930s):.
- In the early 1930s, during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked in the area to develop the forest.
- The CCC constructed numerous amenities and infrastructure, including roads, fire towers, picnic shelters, and recreational trails.
- These improvements helped transform the area into a recreational resource for the public.

3. Reforestation and Timber Production:.
- Reforestation efforts were undertaken by the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) to restore the forest's tree species composition.
- Tree planting and timber harvesting have been integral parts of the management programs at Whitney State Forest.
- The forest continues to produce timber for commercial purposes, generating revenue to support management activities.

4. Public Recreation and Education:.
- Over the years, Whitney State Forest has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- The forest offers recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and nature photography.
- It also provides opportunities for environmental education programs, including field trips and workshops.

5. Forest Management and Conservation:.
- The Virginia Department of Forestry manages Whitney State Forest, focusing on sustainable timber harvesting and wildlife habitat conservation.
- Best management practices are implemented to ensure the forest's long-term health and productivity.
- The forest serves as a demonstration site for forestry techniques and provides training opportunities for foresters and landowners.
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Location
Whitney State Forest is located near Bristow, Chantilly and Culpeper

Trails
1. The Main Loop Trail: A 3-mile trail that winds through the heart of Whitney State Forest, featuring diverse plant and animal life.

2. Pine Grove Pathway: This is a short half-mile loop offering views of mature pine trees and other native Virginia vegetation.

3. Oak Ridge Run: An approximately 2 mile long path with moderate difficulty level; it offers stunning vistas from atop an oak-covered ridge line.

4. Fern Gully Track: Known for its lush fern undergrowth, this track spans about one mile in length within dense forest areas.

5. g Creek Crossing Trailhead: Approximately two miles long following along a creek bed providing opportunities to spot local wildlife species near water sources.

6. Wildflower Way: About three-quarters-of-a-mile-long pathway showcasing seasonal wildflowers blooming throughout different times of the year.

7. Hickory Heights Hike: Roughly one-and-half-miles hike which takes you up steep inclines towards hickory groves at higher elevations.

8. Maple Meander: Half-a-Mile walk amidst maple tree clusters where visitors can enjoy autumn foliage during fall season.

9. Sycamore Stroll: One Mile easy walking route passing by several old-growth sycamores making it ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts.

10. Birch Brook Bend: Two Miles moderately difficult hiking trail running alongside Birch brook known for tranquil soundscape created by flowing stream .

11. Cedar Circle Walkabout: Short quarter-of-a-Mile stroll encircling cedar plantation perfect choice if looking out for quick nature walks .

12. Piney Point Passageway: Three quarters Of A Mile trek taking you through mixed hardwood-pine forests leading to scenic overlook point.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 16 Great Running Trails
park review stars; one to five Preparing for a Spartan Race and was looking for some good running trails in the Warrenton area. Good steep terrain in some areas. Well marked yet less than ideal trails (lots of tree roots and mud) will keep me coming back for more :-)
March 7 Close to home by Dyrholm
park review stars; one to five Whitney is not a huge park but it is great for an afternoon stroll. At first glance it appears limited but once you start getting off the main path and take the small paths you can find some great walks and experiences in nature. I usually bring my now 4 1/2 year old daughter and we do spot lots of different birds and have a good time.
August 26 It is a good little forest.
park review stars; one to five it does the job whether or be riding a horse or getting a few quick laps on a bike after work.
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Area Campgrounds
Hillwood Camping Park
14222 Lee Highway
Gainesville, VA
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
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Cottages and Cabins
An amazing getaway from hustle and bustle of everyday life. What do you have in mind A romantic weekend A family vacation Or, a weekend getaway with friends We recommend escaping to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
26.9 miles from park*

Directions
Return northwest on Vint Hill Road for 1.5 miles to US 15/Lee Highway. Go left (west) on US 15 for 9.7 miles to Lovers Lane. Turn right and follow this road west for 0.8 miles to Lees Ridge Road. Turn left (southwest) on Lees Ridge Road and follow it for 0.6 miles to Whitney State Forest on the right.

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Virginia
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Virginia State Parks

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