Cibola NF--Doc Long Picnic Ground & Bill Spring Trail

About this Location

Doc Long Picnic Site is named for Dr. William Henry Long. He was one of three forest pathologists in the USA who conducted pioneering research of tree diseases.

“Doc” Long, worked in New Mexico from 1910 through the 1930s. He lived in a cabin on the site where the “furthest set,” rustic log pavilion is now. Pavilions ‘A’ and ‘B’ were added later.

The original pavilion and picnic ground were constructed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, also known as the CCC. Their base camp was located a short distance down NM 536 and is now owned by the Boy Scouts of America.

Pavilions ‘A’ and ‘B’, which are replicas of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps design, are accessible and can accommodate up to 30 people. They are equipped with multiple picnic tables and grills. The site also features a playing field area near the group shelters and interpretive displays toward the interior of the site.

About Cibola National Forest

See all hotspots at Cibola National Forest

Cibola National Forest covers more than 1.6 million acres and includes mountains, grasslands, wilderness, and forests. The name Cibola comes from the Zuni word for their tribal lands, which the Spanish later translated as "buffalo". The forest is home black bears, cougars, elk, and pronghorn. Cibola National Forest offers many recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing. It also has cultural and historical significance, as it contains ancient Native American sites and historic trails.

The National Forest has four ranger districts: Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mount Taylor. In addition, the Cibola has four wilderness areas: Sandia Mountain, Manzano Mountain, Withington, and Apache Kid.

Notable Trails

Access Bill Spring Trail 196 at the end of Doc Long Picnic Site. It is 0.7 miles long and connects to Faulty Trail 195. William (Bill) H Long PhD, aka “Doc” Long, a botanical researcher, conducted research concerning diseases affecting Ponderosa Pines during the 1900’s. It’s a good possibility that Bill Spring was named after him.

Content from Bill Spring Trail webpage, Cibola National Forest Official Website, and Doc Long Picnic Ground webpage/span>