If you have been to Bear Creek Lake State Park in Cumberland County, Virginia, you may be aware of our story. Colonization beginning in the 17th century and unsustainable agriculture practices of the 18th century left the central piedmont of Virginia an area of desiccated animal habitat and denuded soil. Action by the federal government in the 1930s began an environmental rebound.

Out of those efforts came the Cumberland State Forest, and Bear Creek Lake State Park. The trails at this park tell a story of survival, if we listen with our eyes wide open.

Fallen trees have opened the forest canopy, allowing in more light so that younger trees can flourish

Four tree species, each communicating with their own families while standing together in a broader community

People may speak of “old growth” as a standard for a vital forest system. We also celebrate centenarians of our own species. There is something most of us inherently respect and admire about survival and triumph over time. Even as we cut down our own and other species, we mourn with a passing thought that life will go on.

As it is with Lost Barr Trail at Bear Creek Lake State Park which has become to me a symbol of renewal and resurgence and even reflects our own abilities to recover and to become what we should be. Destiny despite adversity.

Maples are thirsty trees, do the roots of this maple in breaking up rocky soil help provide water for the needs of the moss, of the fern?

A decade ago, Lost Barr Trail seemed to me to be a bunch of trees and plants, a place to get some exercise walking through a rather unimposing chunk of nature. Almost without me realizing, it has become that acquaintance who is a special link in someone’s life who was somewhat taken for granted because it was assumed, they would always be there, and who now has become a treasured friend.

I now value Lost Barr Trail because it can reveal beauty and summon awareness to any visitor if only, they do a simple thing: look, listen, see, hear, question, consider, and appreciate.

This tree stands alone, the only one of its kind on the trail 

Say hello as you pass by, but watch out for the thorns

Trees link us to the past and are a part of our future

Lost Barr Trail can teach us about briars and burls, plants and pollinators, seeds and senescence. It may not enlighten your meander with jaw-dropping wonder, but it will welcome your wander and tell you a story.

All you need to do is listen with eyes wide open, for that’s what love is all about.

More about the trails at Bear Creek Lake State Park: All trails within the park allow only hiking. The park also provides access to the Willis River Trail, a 16-mile long trail winding through Cumberland State Forest. Also, the 15.7-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail is available for bicycles, horses and hikers (this trail does not loop back to the park and is located in the state forest).

Those interested in riding horses or mountain bikes in the Cumberland State Forest must obtain a State Forest Use Permit; call (804) 492-4121 or go here. See a Bear Creek Lake State Park trail guide here to help plan your hike, and your visit.