CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

APPALACHIAN TRAIL

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

GREAT FALLS

PRINCE WILLIAM FOREST PARK
Why Go There? Visit the largest intact Piedmont forest in Virginia
Ideal Times to Visit: Early fall through late spring
What You Must See? The spring or autumn woods along Scenic Drive
Established as a demonstration work camp built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, Prince William Forest Park presents a network of trails, streams and camps containing glimpses of the past, from old buildings to former pyrite mines operating along North Fork Quantico Creek. The park is the largest preserved tract – over 15,000 acres -- of Piedmont forest in the Virginia. Furthermore, campers can enjoy auto accessible camping and backpackers can rough it at a backcountry campsite, all within the greater metro D.C. area. With a large populous nearby, the park is big on ranger programs for young and old. Learn about the spies of Prince William Forest or the former industrial past of this now-natural destination.
Interestingly, even the park’s trail system was initially laid out by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Pine Grove picnic shelter is a good example of the many structures built during their time. The buildings all share the commonality of being rustic wood and stone buildings in the pioneer style commonly seen in our national park system.
Today, hikers have 37 miles of pathways to explore, spread over 16 trails, ranging from treks to streams, wetlands, and historic sites. Bicyclists can take to the paved roads or backroads. The primary park road -- Scenic Drive -- lives up to its name and provides a quiet, lesser-traveled place to pedal on pavement. You can make a 7-mile loop on Scenic Drive. Burma Road is a gravel track with hills aplenty for a more challenging experience. Several other gated gravel roads are available for two wheelers on the move.
Campers have three different options for overnighting at Prince William Forest Park. Oak Ridge Campground is used primarily by tent campers. Three wooded loops are set in rolling woods with 100 sites available. The A Loop is first come, first serve only. However, reservations can be made for B or C loops. Hot showers, flush toilets and drinking water are available. RVs and campers may want to use Prince William Forest Large back up or pull-through campsites with full hookups allow RVers to plant themselves then explore Prince William Forest as well as Manassas Battlefield and other Washington, D.C. attractions. Finally, backpackers can make a loop hike in the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area to primitive campsites, adding a wild touch to their Prince William Forest experience. What will be your Prince William Forest experience?
ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE
