Zoar State Forest

This forest comprises 378 acres that were once part of a large estate at Aylett, which was considered at the time to be the “wickedest place of its size in this part of the world.” Two self-guided nature trails provide excellent access to the forest.

The 2-mile Main Forest Trail is located on the larger, southern portion of the Forest. Forest roads demonstrate wildlife and forest management practices and educate visitors about the creation of edge habitat, disking plots, grass plantings, as well as pine and hardwood management.

The 1.4-mile Nature Trail is located at the northern end of the property on West River Rd/ Rt. 600 and has 2 loops. The Mattaponi Bluffs loop (1 mile) meanders through upland and bottomland forests, crosses wetlands, and offers gorgeous views of the Mattaponi River. The Herring Creek loop (0.4 mile) offers views of Herring Creek and bottomland hardwoods while winding through upland hardwood forests. The Mattaponi Bluffs loop occasionally floods in late winter and early spring. The wetland ponds and streams provide additional wildlife watching habitat.

A canoe ramp is provided on Herring Creek at the Nature Trail. Paddling from this ramp, approximately 4 miles down the Mattaponi River to the Department of Wildlife Resources boat landing at Aylett takes about 2.5 to 4 hours. Information about outfitters is available upon request from the State Forest.