Hiking

37 miles of hiking trails meander through the 15,000 acre Prince William Forest Park. The Scenic Drive provides access to virtually all trails and features in the park. Can't make it to the park - use the interactive trail guide below to explore.

You can also explore the park trails by thematic e-walks such as our Geology E-Walk.


 
  • Birch Bluff Trail  Blaze
    Birch Bluff Trail

    A moderately easy trail near the visitor center than includes good creekside views (1.8 miles)

  • Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine Trail boardwalk
    Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine Trail

    A moderately difficult trail that provides a look at the site of the Cabin Branch Mine (0.3 miles)

  • A large body of water in the Chopawamsic Backcountry
    Chopawamsic Trail

    A moderately difficult trail through the rugged and heavily forested Chopawamsic Backcountry Area. This area requires a permit (2.0 miles)

  • The Crossing Trail Sign in the middle of winter
    The Crossing Trail

    An easy trail with many historical features (0.5 miles)

  • A young man hiking on a boardwalk
    Farms to Forest Trail

    A self-guided tour near the Oak Ridge Campground of an area where old farmland has reverted back to mature forest (1.0 miles)

  • Trail surrounded by ferns
    Farms to Forest Extention

    Located off the Farms to Forest Trail, this trail offers excellent creekside views of beaver habitat (2.7 miles)

  • High Meadows Trail sign
    High Meadows Trail

    A trail that begins on the ridgetop and descends to the South Fork of Quantico Creek, including a wide variety of habitats (2.1 miles)

  • Laurel Loop Trail in the Piedmont forest
    Laurel Loop Trail

    Access this short, loop trail near the visitor center and travel to the banks of the South Fork Quantico Creek (1.4 miles)

  • Little Run Loop Trail weaves around the trees
    Little Run Loop

    A short yet moderately difficult trail that includes excellent creekside habitats.

  • Trail in fall
    Mary Byrd Branch

    A short, easy trail that includes excellent opportunities for beaver viewing (0.5 miles)

  • North Valley Trail
    North Valley Trail

    Trail leads along Quantico Creek and includes small waterfalls with excellent opportunities for geologic study (2.6 miles)

  • Two hikers, in the distance, on the trail
    Oak Ridge Trail

    An easy, level trail (1.6 miles)

  • The boardwalk of the Piedmont Forest Trail boardwalk in autumn
    Piedmont Forest Trail

    An easy, rubberized trail that includes a wildlife viewing platform with benches (0.2 miles)

  • Water cascading of large rocks
    Quantico Cascades Trail

    The shortest and easiest access to the cascading water descending along Quantico Creek (0.7 miles)

  • South Valley Trail moves along next to the Quantico Creek
    South Valley Trail

    The longest single trail found in the park with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing (9.7 miles)

  • Turkey Run Ridge Trail
    Turkey Run Ridge Trail

    A moderately difficult trail between the Turkey Run Education Center and the South Fork of Quantico Creek (1.4 miles)

 

Hiking Safety

Hiking is done at the visitor's own risk. Please observe these tips for a fun and safe hike.

  • Take five minutes to stretch your muscles before and after your hike. Warm up by starting slowly, then pick up the pace.

  • Plan your trip before you go and let someone know your route.

  • Bring a small first aid kit, always wear sunscreen, take several rests, and carry a map and compass.

  • Drink plenty of water.

  • Always keep dogs on a leash

  • Follow tick prevention tips.

Note: Rocks in park streams can be extremely slippery. Please stay on marked trails and observe park rules.

Last updated: December 12, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

18100 Park Headquarters Road
Triangle, VA 22172

Phone:

703-221-7181

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