Channels State Forest

Channels State Forest is a protected woodland area in Virginia's mountain region that spans thousands of acres with mixed hardwood forests, mountain streams, and varying elevation changes. The landscape includes natural rock formations and large boulder fields that shape its terrain.

The land was privately owned and used for timber production until the early 2000s, when conservation efforts brought it into public ownership for long-term protection. This transition marked a shift toward preserving the area's natural resources and forest ecosystem.

The forest serves as a center for scientific forest management, applied research, wildlife habitat development, and watershed protection in the Virginia mountain region.

The forest is accessible through multiple hiking trails that offer different difficulty levels and distances for various types of visitors. Sturdy footwear and appropriate gear are recommended because of the mountainous terrain and elevation changes.

At the mountain ridge, massive sandstone formations with deep crevices between enormous boulders create striking geological features that date back hundreds of millions of years. These distinctive rock formations make the landscape visually dramatic for those hiking through the forest.