Description
Elevation: 2469 ft.
Matthews State Forest provides an excellent representation of the forests of southwest Virginia. Three trails take the visitor through sections of forest and introduce them to common resident trees such as white pine, white oak, black birch, and American beech. The birds of the area are numerous and noticeable, especially along the 1.25-mile birding trail. Brown thrasher constantly flit across the path as they welcome nature enthusiasts to the forest. Red-eyed vireo call from the older stands of woods while white-eyed vireo make their presence known from the newer growth. The numerous plantings around the visitor center attract an array of butterflies. Eastern tiger swallowtail, great spangled fritillary and silver-spotted skipper are joined by common wood-nymph and eastern tailed-blue.
Wildlife Sightings
77 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Matthews State Forest:
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Jan 2026 | 20 | Brian Bockhahn |
| 19 Jan 2026 | 20 | Julie Thomson |
| 9 Jan 2026 | 14 | John Burleson |
| 17 Dec 2025 | 3 | Amanda Dymacek |
| 17 Dec 2025 | 3 | Julian Dymacek |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails, Observation Tower/Platform
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Birding Trail Parking Coordinates: 36.638278, -80.957604
From Galax, head west on US-221 S/US-58 W/Reserve Blvd, turn left onto Wild Turkey Ln, turn left at the Y in the road in front of the Alice House, and follow that to the parking area.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- Matthews State Forest Office, (276) 236-2322, stateforest@dof.virginia.gov
- 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.