National Park Service · VA
Prince William Forest Park
Prince William Forest Park is an oasis, a respite of quiet and calm. In 1936, Chopawamsic Recreation Area opened its gates to house children's 'relief' camps during the Great Depression. Renamed Prince William Forest Park in 1948, these fragrant woods and trickling streams have welcomed generations of campers, hikers, bikers and nature lovers. Discover Northern Virginia's best kept secret!
Live · updated
Parking Lot E is closed for construction. The park is currently working to expand this parking area, and the lot will be closed while the expansion is being built. Visitors can still access the Mary Byrd Branch Trail and Quantico Cascades Trail by following trail reroute signs and parking vehicles in Turkey Run parking area. For your safety, please follow all closures and only park in designated parking spots.
Trails ranked today
North Valley Trail
Follows the North Fork of Quantico Creek through mixed hardwood forest and passes the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine site; pairs with the South Valley Trail for a loop along both forks of the creek.
Quantico Cascades Trail
A short trail dropping to Quantico Cascades, where the South Fork of Quantico Creek tumbles over rock ledges; often walked as a detour off the valley trails to reach the falls.
Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine Trail
Short spur descending to the ruins of the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine, which operated 1889-1920 above Quantico Creek; hikers see foundations of the machine shop, engine room, and boiler house.
South Valley Trail
The park's longest trail, following the South Fork of Quantico Creek past small cascades and rocky sections through hardwood forest; part of it carries the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.
About this park
Agency
National Park Service.
Official site
Coordinates
38.5859, -77.3891
Trails covered
4 curated routes at this park.