Description
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.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Whitney State Forest:
- Blue Jay
- Carolina Chickadee
- Carolina Wren
- Mourning Dove
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker
- Eastern Phoebe
- American Crow
- Tufted Titmouse
139 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Mar 2026 | 3 | Anonymous eBirder |
| 9 Mar 2026 | 27 | Marcus Fennema |
| 20 Jan 2026 | 20 | Marcus Fennema |
| 31 Dec 2025 | 11 | Marcus Fennema |
| 21 Dec 2025 | 26 | Andrew Eberly |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails
Maps & 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.
Site Information
Managed By:
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.