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Children’s Forest Trail (Forest Trail #626)
The Children’s Forest trail is an all-weather surface loop trail that begins and ends in the monument area of the National Children’s Forest. This is a universally accessible trail with grades of less than 3%. On April 27, 1971 an arson fire blackened the 1,176 acres now known as the National Children’s Forest. The area was planted on the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day in April of 1972 by children from all over the eastern United States. The names of the children who participated in the tree planting are stored in a time capsule scheduled to be opened in 2072. There is also a monument dedicated to the children at the trailhead near the time capsule.
The trail begins behind the monument and loops through a small portion of the forest. Many different plants such as grapevine, black gum, various oaks and greenbrier exist in the understory. The trail overstory is mainly shortleaf pine planted by the children and a few scattered oaks.
Trail Open To:
At a Glance
| Fees: | No fee. |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | Open year round |
| Closest Towns: | Covington, VA - ALLEGHANY COUNTY |
| Water: | No drinking water available. All water taken from natural sources should be purified before use. |
| Restroom: | None |
| Operated By: | James River Ranger District: (540) 962 - 2214 |
| Information Center: | Trail is located on National Geographic/Trails Illustrated Map #788. It is recommended that all trail users carry a reliable map at all times. Maps may be purchased at some local District Ranger Stations, at outdoor retail locations or by visiting the National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated website. |
General Information
Directions:From Covington: Take SR 18 south for 8.0 miles. Turn left on to SR 613. Follow 613 to the end of the road and turn right on to FR 351. The trailhead is approximately 0.9 miles on the left behind the Children’s Forest Monument area.
General Notes:
- Trail Length: 0.30 miles
- Blazes: None
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Connecting Trails: FT #627 - Children's Forest Trail Long Loop
- Elevation: 1880 to 2140 feet
-
Trail Access Points (Approximate LAT/LONG):
- LAT 37.6616 LONG -80.743
- Lat/Long Conversion Table
- Trail Etiquette: Trail etiquette for multiple use trails calls for horses to have the right-of-way. Hikers should yield to horses. Bicyclists should yield to horses and hikers. Horse riders are responsible for the control of their horse at all times.