Paul State Forest

Elevation: 1420 ft.

Paul State Forest serves as an island of forest in a sea of farmland. The trees host a variety of common woodland species. Area regulars include red-bellied, downy, and hairy woodpeckers, and the occasional pileated and red-headed woodpeckers drop in sporadically. Forest diversity is at its highest during migration when, depending on the weather, numerous species of warblers, vireos, tanagers and thrushes can be spotted. Fast flying tawny emperors and the less energetic red-spotted purples and eastern tiger swallowtails frequent the broad trails between the towering yellow poplars of the state forest. The surrounding fields attract a variety of raptors that perch along the edges of the forest. Keep a look out for Cooper’s, sharp-shinned and red-tailed hawks, as well as the occasional American kestrel. Have an eye and ear open during the spring and summer when tree frogs are likely to appear.

Walking and hiking within the forest is free, but certain other activities require a State Forest Use Permit. More information is available here via the Department of Forestry.