Enjoy the sights and sounds of Great Mountain Forest from the comfort of a car. For two days only, visitors are invited to drive through the forest and enjoy access to beautiful areas that are typically reached only by foot.
Vistors will enter through the East Gate near our forestry office in Norfolk, following Camp Road to Chattleton Road and exiting through the West Gate in Falls Village. Along the route, visitors may park at designated areas to explore some of their favorite trails, overlooks, and nature spots at their own pace.
Designated parking is located near:
- Crossover Trail
- Number 4 Trail
- Old Man McMullen Pond
- High Pocket Swamp Trail
- Crissey Trail
Whether you’re looking for a short (or long) walk, a scenic place to relax, or simply a leisurely drive, Open Road Days offer the opportunity to explore and enjoy parts of the forest you may not have seen before.
Please drive slowly, obey all posted signs, and park only in marked and mowed areas to help protect the forest and ensure a safe visit for everyone.
Rules and other information
- Travel by car is one way only from the East Gate in Norfolk to the West Gate in Falls Village.
- When navigating to the East Gate, make sure that your GPS is navigating to our forestry office (you should see a building) and not the middle of the forest.
- Per GMF rules and regulations, motorcycles and dirt bikes are not allowed on our roads.
- Park only in designated areas where grass has been mowed and there is sufficient room to park your car off the road.
- If you would like to park at Old Man McMullen Pond, please use the marked parking areas before and after the pond viewing areas. Parking will not be permitted in the viewing areas.
- Maintain a speed limit of 15 mph (ideally 10 mph) and watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, and wildlife.
- Gates to the forest will open at 9 AM and close promptly at 5 PM.
- Leash your dogs — ensure the safety of hikers, the dogs themselves, and wildlife. It is bear breeding season, and moose, porcupines, and other animals are out and about in the forest.
- Pick up a map at the kiosk or download our self-guided tour here.
It takes a lot to maintain these roads. Please support our work by donating today
