Yesterday I also took the opportunity to drive down to Aylett and check out Zoar State Forest. Last time I was out here in December, most of the forest was underwater due to all of the rain and snow we had. I must say that in spring, this forest is nothing short of wonderful! The historic house (our office on site) and the surrounding buildings look reminiscent of the civil war era with a beautiful dogwood in the front.
The real jewel of this forest is the Mattaponi Bluffs River Trail which is on the northern end of the forest. This short trail makes for an excellent after lunch stroll. There is a canoe launch and two short loop trails for users to enjoy. Visitors are greeted by great views of the Mattaponi as well as massive trees such as American Beech, River Birch, American Holly, and many others. Most of the interpretive signs and trail maps are in disrepair but I've been told that local boyscout troops and the Mattaponi Pamunkey Rivers Association are going to be taking care of that soon enough. I gave a packet of tree identification plaques to the boyscouts to install so that users will know what trees they are seeing.
For a town that was once best known for it's prostitution and gambling, Aylett now holds one of our best small forests. Take some time to visit this one!
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