Tom Rhodes Tree Carving Trail

Tom Rhodes Tree Carving Trail Allison H (Atlas Obscura User)

Hidden on a side road in the town of Warsaw, Virginia is the Tom Rhodes Tree Carving Trail, or as locals call it, “The Enchanted Forest.”

The site’s creator and carver, Tom Rhodes, has been etching pop culture icons into the trees on this 12-acre property since 2004. As visitors walk along the trail, they will find SpongeBob SquarePants, Bugs Bunny, Garfield, Minnie Mouse, The Lorax, and many other beloved childhood characters residing among the trees.

Today, there are over 80 carvings with more on the way. Finding each carving is like a treasure hunt. In fact, Rhodes has provided a hand-drawn map of the trail in a plastic bag under a rock at the entrance. He welcomes the public to find each of the carvings, marked with an “X” on the map.

Know Before You Go

The entrance to the trail is located at 211 Wallace Street. A few signs in the town of Warsaw also point the way. The entrance is a simple, unassuming paved spot on the left side of the road, but is easily recognizable by the tree carvings near the beginning of the trail.

As you are walking along the trail, if you come upon a piece of wood with “END” written on it, there are no more carvings past that point.

Accessibility: The trail is not stroller-friendly or wheelchair accessible.

Price: Free

Hours: Sunrise - Sunset

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