National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Prince William Forest ParkLakes 2 and 5
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Prince William Forest Park
Hiking: Take An E-Walk

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 take an e-walk of the park's many trails.

You can also explore the park trails by thematic e-walks such as our geology e-walk.


Birch Bluff Trail - A moderately easy trail near the visitor center that includes good creekside views.
1.8 miles (2.9 km)

Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine Trail - A moderately difficult trail that provides a look at the site of the Cabin Branch Mine.
0.3 miles (0.5 km)

Chopawamsic Trail - A moderately difficult trail through the rugged and heavily forested Chopawamsic Backcountry Area. This area includes overnight hike-in tent sites (permit required). 
2.0 miles (3.2 km)

The Crossing Trail - An easy trail with many historical features.
0.5 miles (0.8 km)

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 (1.6 km)

Farms to Forest Extension Trail- Located off the Farms to Forest Trail, this trail offers excellent creekside views of beaver habitat (beaver sightings possible).
2.7 miles (4.3 km)

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 (3.4 km)

Little Run Loop - A short yet moderately difficult trail that includes excellent creekside habitats.
0.7 miles (1.1 km)

Laurel Loop Trail - Access this short, loop trail near the visitor center and travel to the banks of the South Fork Quantico Creek.

Mary Bird Branch Trail - A short, easy trail that includes excellent opportunities for beaver viewing. 0.5 miles (0.8 km)

North Valley Trail - Trail leads along Quantico Creek and includes small waterfalls with excellent opportunities for geologic study.
2.6 miles (4.2 km)

Oak Ridge Trail - An easy, level trail.
1.6 miles (2.6 km)

Piedmont Forest Trail- An easy, paved trail that includes a wildlife viewing platform with benches.
0.2 miles (0.3 km)

Quantico Cascades Trail- The shortest and easiest access to the cascading water descending along Quantico Creek.
0.7 miles (1.1 km)

South Valley Trail- The longest single trail found in the park, includes abundant beaver and other creekside wildlife habitat, with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
9.7 miles (15.6 km)

Turkey Run Ridge Trail- A moderately difficult trail between the Turkey Run Environmental Center and the South Fork of Quantico Creek.
1.4 miles (2.3 km)

Office of Strategic Service (OSS) recruits learning Morse code during the Second World War  

Did You Know?
Prince William Forest Park was used by the Office of Strategic Services (forerunner to the CIA) as a training camp for spies during World War II. Today, you can rent a cabin where spies once learned their trade.

Last Updated: October 12, 2009 at 16:38 EST