18100 Park Headquarters Rd, Triangle, VA 22172
Phone: 703-221-7181 or 703-221-2366
Fax: 703-221-4322
Open All Year
Overview. The pine and hardwood forests that now rest along Quantico Creek are models of successful reclamation. Once used as a forage ground for local tribes, the area was quickly settled by Scots once the Navigation Law of 1707 lifted restrictions on the tobacco trade. Over the next two centuries, overfarming, poor land management, and a pyrite mining operation depleted the soil and decimated the forests. In 1933, the federal government acquired the land and employed the Civilian Conservation Corps to reclaim it for recreational use. Originally established as the Chopawamsic Recreation Demonstration Area, today the forested hills and stream valleys of Prince William Forest Park offer visitors a glimpse of what the Potomac coastline was like before it was settled. What to see and do. This is prime hiking country, with over 37 miles of trails and fire roads to explore. The terrain is hilly and scored with a maze of small stream valleys, so all but the most experienced hiker should stick to the trails. Orienteering clubs use the park to test their mettle with map and compass, so if you're not adept at using these tools, stay on the marked paths. Bicycles are not allowed on trails, but many mountain bikers pedal along the five paved park loop roads. The park's trails welcome cross-country skiers in the winter; the steep drops and sharp turns require some experience to negotiate. Fishing is permitted with a valid Virginia state license; hunting is strictly prohibited. The park visitor center offers exhibits, films and a bookstore. Guided ranger programs are scheduled every weekend concerning park ecology and wildlife, which includes whitetail deer, wild turkey, beaver, and a host of smaller animals and birds. The visitor center is open daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The park campground offers 79 paved sites (some with full hookups). These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Primitive camping is allowed only in the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area, which is not contiguous with the main park, and requires a backcountry permit. Family and group cabin camping is also available. Pets are not permitted in the cabins.
| Activities and Services |
 |
| • |
Bicycle Trails |
|
| • |
Bird Watching |
|
| • |
Cross-country Skiing |
|
| • |
Fishing |
|
| • |
Geological Sites |
|
| • |
Hiking/Nature Trails |
|
| • |
Picnic Sites |
|
| • |
Programs/Talks |
|
| • |
Self-guided Tours |
|
| • |
Visitor Center |
|
| • |
Wildflower Viewing |
|
| • |
Wildlife Viewing |
|
Search All National Parks
Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
|
