-
Firewood
Outside firewood is prohibited in Prince William Forest Park, unless it is certified USDA 'bug free' firewood. Dead and downed wood may be collected from designated areas for use while in the park. Help us protect the forest from invasive species!
-
Warm Wet Spring = More Ticks
Please check yourself and your pets for ticks continually during and after your visit. Ticks are less prevelent if you stay on trail or in mowed areas. Wearing light colored clothing helps you spot them before the attach.
-
Temp. Closure C-Loop Bathroom
Due to sequestration cuts, the C-Loop bathroom at Oak Ridge Campground will remain closed. Please use the B-Loop restroom, a short walking distance away. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Oak Ridge Trail
Site of 2006 Wildfire National Park Service Oak Ridge Trail (1.6 miles; 2.6 km) Oak Ridge Trail is a short, level trail that starts at Oak Ridge Campground and ends on Old Black Top Road. The trail is marked with yellow blazes and has opportunities to see beaver activity. At the beginning of the hike you will notice burn marks on most the trees in the forest. This is the result of a 318-acre wildland fire that began near the B-loop of Oak Ridge Campground. The fire began on March 27, 2006 and was finally extinguished on April 4, 2006 due to the efforts of over 70 wildland firefighters. To view the full story refer to park newsletter, The Oasis, Vol. 1 Issue 8. 
Small creek along Oak Ridge Trail National Park Service Just down from the campground, South Valley Trail will branch off to the right. After about 15 minutes, you will cross over Scenic Drive. Continue on for another 20 minutes and you will come to a small creek meandering through the forest. 
Beaver Dam National Park Service 
Ground Cedar along trail edges National Park Service Notice the ground cedar that covers the forest floor. Ground cedar (Lycopodium complanatum) is small, perennial plant with horizontal stems that creep along the forest floor. They grow up to a meter long with flattened, cedar-like stems. |
Did You Know?
Prince William Forest Park preserves the largest inventory of Civilian Conservation Corps structures (153) in the National Park System. Four of the five cabin camps are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as historic districts.