Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest consists of numerous forest blocks surrounding Twin Lakes State Park. It can be explored via 11.9 miles of vehicle trails and 8.4 miles of hiking trails. The areas consist of forests at many successional stages ranging from harvested land to well-developed forest. This mosaic creates habitats for numerous wildlife species.
Search in the deep woods for the mighty pileated woodpecker or amongst the pines for pine warbler and brown-headed nuthatch. At the edges of the numerous clearings keep an eye out for wild turkeys and listen for the soft, husky whistle of eastern bluebirds. Be sure to keep looking up and checking the numerous turkey and black vultures for red-tailed and occasionally broad-winged or red-shouldered hawks.
During spring and autumn, numerous migrants join resident species as they pass through on their way to summering or wintering grounds. This is the most exciting time in the forest when the resident northern cardinals are joined by scarlet and summer tanagers and the fields are alive with indigo buntings and field and chipping sparrows. There is great potential for seeing numerous warblers who seem to trickle through in small family groups, mixing with the locals. Look for black-and-white and magnolia warblers and American redstarts amongst the chickadees and titmice.
Access Status: Open to the public
Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk
Physical Address:
Latitude/Longitude: 37° 11′ 24.6″, -78° 17′ 15.3″ Green Bay, VA
Parking/Access:
From Route 360, access by Routes 696, 613, or 621.
From Route 460, access by Route 696.
Stoney Knoll Trail Parking Area is located at the end of Route 689 and beginning of Stoney Knoll Forest 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: A few picnic tables in the forest
DOF recommends that all forest visitors wear blaze orange or pink during hunting seasons.
Directions From Camp Parsons: 41 min (28.3 miles)
- Camp Parsons - 214 Wood Haven Trail, Cumberland, VA 23040
- Head north on Wood Haven Trail - 1.1 mi
- Continue on VA-45 S to Green Bay - 29 min (22.5 mi)
- Continue on Sandy River Rd to your destination - 9 min (4.7 mi)
Phone: 804-492-4121
Address: Latitude/Longitude: 37° 11′ 24.6″, -78° 17′ 15.3″ Green Bay, VA
