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30-35,
anonymous
writes: This weekend, I'm going to a state forest and I had some questions because I couldn't find much on their website. I was wondering if it costs money, and if so how much. Sorry if that's a dumb question, but I don't know much about it haha. Also, I'm just gonna be walking on the trails and stuff that's it..so would that be free? And they must have certain hours?? If you know anything, please respond. Thanks. :)
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male
reader, daletom  +, writes (14 May 2010):
To really answer this question you need to tell us "Which state?"
I can speak from experience about Missouri, Virginia, and Michigan. (I lived in each of those places for many years.)
Those states' "state forests" are very different from "state parks". The state forests are large tracts (thousands, even millions, of acres) of public land usually maintained for several goals, which may include timber production, grazing, general outdoor recreation, hunting and fishing, wildlife habitat, watershed management, etc. Except for a few special situations, the rules and restrictions are fairly minimal and can often be summarized as, "This area is shared by every citizen of the state. Behave yourself, and make sure the next guy can enjoy it as much as you have.". Unless you stay overnight in a developed campground, or use a special facility like a boat launch or maintained swimming area, there generally isn't any fee for day-use activities in the state forests. (That may be why you didn't find any mention of costs, hours, etc.)
Walking a trail is almost certainly a no-cost activity. If there are restrictions on when you can be in certain areas, it's often based on wildlife habitat requirements. (E.g., they don't want you disrupting the mating activities of some protected species. Here in Missouri, caves are off-limits during the months when bats are hibernating in them.) Or, there might be safety concerns. (Such as some former mining areas, that pose a danger of cave-in.) You may need to keep a little distance from particular historic features (an old homestead, for instance).
In most places, trail facilities like shelters or picnic tables are "first-come, first-served" though sometimes there are reservation systems. You may or may not find toilets or safe drinking water along a trail. Open fires may be restricted to designated areas. In most state forests you are permitted to collect fruits, nuts, berries and edible plants for your personal use - but wildflowers (maybe even "weeds") may be protected. Observe the wild animals, but don't approach them. (State forests are commonly open to hunting and fishing, subject to the state's fish and game laws.) Collecting rocks or mineral specimens for personal use may be permitted, but removing any historical item (like an indian arrowhead, or even a piece of old barbed wire) is probably prohibited. Of course, littering is a BIG no-no: carry EVERY candy wrapper, tissue and water bottle back to a place where it can be properly disposed of.
A short hike through your public library may turn up a guide book, or detailed trail map, for the area you'll be visiting. The public agency that manages your state forest (state agriculture department, conservation department, bureau of public lands, etc) may also have maps, pamphlets or guides. This material will tell you about any special restrictions or regulations in your area.
And most of all, enjoy your day! I hope you have friendly companions to share it with.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (14 May 2010): HI,
Usually you have to pay for parking, and you can buy a sticker for the year, or you can pay by the day. That's how it is in WI. The annual sticker is usually $25 to $30 and if you buy it for the day, it has run me about $5.
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