One of my favorite national parks on the East Coast is unbelievably accessible – just a half hour’s drive from Washington, D.C.! – yet remains mysteriously off the tourist radar. I didn’t even learn about Prince William Forest Park until after I had lived in D.C. for two years, so for travelers (or locals) looking to escape the crowds, this is the place to find some quiet. I’ve compiled this visitor guide with the hope of making any trek out to Prince William Forest a breeze; might I say, it makes a wonderful weekend day trip from the city? Furthermore, in case you missed it, you can read my full-length write-up about Prince William Forest Park here!
LOCATION: Triangle, Virginia (about thirty minutes outside Washington, D.C.)
GETTING THERE: Prince William Forest Park is not accessible via D.C.’s public transit, but typically, daily car rentals from Reagan National Airport are affordable. From downtown, the park is a quick thirty-minute drive away.
TOP STOP: The Quantico Cascades Trail, a short, relatively easy stroll through the woods that culminates in Instagram-worthy creek views. Perfect for those who want to hike with dogs or small children.
WHAT TO DO: Prince William Forest boasts a seemingly endless collection of hiking trails, and cater to adventurers of all abilities. Some, like the Quantico Cascades Trail, are easy to complete, while others are more challenging. The Pyrite Mine Trail, featuring a mine shaft, offers visitors a healthy dose of local history along with an enjoyable hike with plenty of scenery. Visitors can learn more about the park’s extensive hiking trail network here. A paved bike lane along the park’s scenic drive caters to those who want to explore the park on two wheels, while the parks’ 100+ species of birds will keep any wildlife buff busy. I recommend that all visitors stop by the park’s visitor center before exploring – there’s plenty of information available to specific to any interest imaginable to help enrich your visit.
YOU SHOULD VISIT BECAUSE... D.C. gets a little claustrophobic after awhile, and there aren’t many green spaces within the city limits. Prince William Forest offers one of the best nature getaways from the nation’s capital, and makes for a perfect day trip. Not to mention, the region’s rich history extends far beyond the contents of the Smithsonian museums. Just a mere century ago, a pyrite mine called the park home, and employed hundreds of local men and children. Even though free African-Americans had resided in Prince William County since the mid-1700s, the mine still operated as a segregated workplace where men and children were dependably employed – even though worker demands for increased pay were allegedly met with threats of death. Visitors to Prince William Forest Park can check out the remains of the pyrite mine by hiking along the Pyrite Mine Trail. Prior to hosting Western settlements, the native Doeg people resided on the fringes of today’s park land.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Home Base: Prince William Forest offers plenty of camping opportunities, but if you prefer hotels to tents, the park’s proximity to D.C. makes the capital city an excellent base for exploration. Nearby Woodbridge and Dumfries also have many hotel options for those looking to sleep as close to the park as possible.
Nearby Activities and Sights: The visitor center at Prince William Forest sits just minutes away from Quantico and its National Museum of the Marine Corps, while Woodbridge, Virginia seems expressly dedicated to shopping. For those interested in wartime history, the Quantico National Cemetery acts as the final resting site for a number of our nation’s most notable military figures. Learn more about visiting here.
Insider Tips: While the park is surrounded by an array of towns with many restaurants and convenience shops, there is no place to purchase water or snacks in the park. The visitor center does have a nice, clean restroom conveniently located near many of the more popular trails. For a quick bite to eat in-between hikes or bike rides, pop by one of the pizza joints in downtown Dumfries. There is also a Wal-Mart in Dumfries for those who need to stock up on snacks or water bottles.
Admission to the park is $7.00 per vehicle, and credit and debit cards are accepted. Guests can pay at the entrance gate or in the visitor center, which also offers numerous maps and pamphlets explaining everything from the park’s diverse wildlife to rich history. The $7.00 pass is valid for one week and has in-and-out privileges.
