Logging Operation in Progress with Intermittent State Forest Closings
Whitney State Forest will be closed at intermittent times from September 2022 until January 2024 while an 18-acre timber harvest is conducted in a stand of mature loblolly, yellow-poplar, and black walnut.
Why are we harvesting trees on state forest land?
State forests are self-supporting working forests (no taxpayer funds are used to maintain them). The sale of timber provides funding to support the state forests while promoting a healthy, sustainable forest resource.
Whitney State Forest contains invasive species, such as wisteria, multiflora rose, wineberry, japanese stilt grass, and kudzu. Following harvest, VDOF will treat invasives and replant the area with native shortleaf pine.
Overview
The 148-acre Whitney State Forest is located in Fauquier County. Management focuses on demonstration of scientific forest management, applied forest research, diverse wildlife habitat, watershed protection, forest management to develop diverse timber stands that support biological diversity, and opportunities for passive outdoor recreation.
Fauquier silt loam is the primary soil type found throughout the forest, encompassing approximately 80% of the total area. This soil is defined as a well-drained, moderately acidic soil with an above average productivity rating for tree growth when compared to other soils commonly found in this region. Several intermittent and perennial streams exist on the property.
At a Glance
Access Status: Open to the Public
Hours: Open daily from dawn until dusk
Physical Address:
Latitude/Longitude:
38° 40′ 19.6″, -77° 48′ 20.5″
Approximately 3 miles south of Warrenton, on the west side of Route 684.
Parking/Access: One small parking area at the entrance on Route 684.
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: The forest is occasionally closed for a managed lottery deer hunt.
The Whitney became a state forest in 1972, by gift from Mrs. Gibson in memory of her parents, Charles and Alice Whitney.
Historical Landmarks
The old stone house remnants on the forest were part of the home of Henry Washington Ashton.
At a Glance
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
- 7 miles of forest trails (no vehicles)
- 1 mile of gated forest roads (no vehicles)
- No driving past forest gates.
Hiking
Hiking is permitted on all forest roads and trails.
Mountain Biking *
Mountain biking is permitted on forest roads and trails.
Horseback Riding *
Horseback riding is permitted on all forest roads and trails. There is limited parking available for horse trailers.
State law requires that visitors carry a copy of a negative Coggins test report with each horse on state lands.
Fishing and Boating
None
Hunting and Trapping
A lottery hunt is occasionally conducted. Hunting with lottery permit, valid State Forest Use Permit, and valid hunting license in accordance with state regulations. Note that some regulations may be different than on private land, so check Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Hunting Regulations for specific state forest details.
Read the Hunter Protocols before applying.
Apply here.
Other Recreational Opportunities
Other passive recreational opportunities, such as wildlife watching and nature photography, are available.
- Self-learning opportunities are available.
- Self-guided educational opportunities – interpretive signs.
Explore tree and wildlife identification, or simply observe nature. The forest demonstrates forest management, harvesting techniques, and best management practices to landowners, loggers, and industry professionals.
Local schools can use the state forest for educational purposes.
State Forest Main Office
Located at Cumberland State Forest
751 Oak Hill Road, Cumberland, VA 23040-2511
E-mail | (804) 492-4121