Last updated: July 2, 2025
Thing to Do
Bike the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Prince William Forest Park
NPS Photo
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail follows the Scenic Drive and Burma Road, allowing for a great workout for the seasoned cyclist.
The Scenic Drive is a paved road has its beginning at the Pine Grove Picnic Area and the first two miles of this road is recommended for experienced cyclists only, due to several steep grades and blind curves. Stay to the right at the split in the Scenic Drive and head towards Oak Ridge Campground and Parking Lot D. From this junction, head north for almost two miles and make a right onto Burma Road.
Burma Road is a 1.4 mi (2.3km) crushed rock road, located off the north side of Scenic Drive about halfway between Parking Lots E and F, across from Taylor Farm Road. There is a nice gentle descent down to the bridge crossing the North Fork of Quantico Creek which is followed by the climbs and descends to the gate at the Park Boundary. From here you can either continue on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail following Dumfries Road to Country Club Drive or turn around and make your way back to the Pine Grove Picnic Area and visit the Prince William Forest Park Visitor Center.
We suggest that you check the park alerts and conditions updates for any possible road closures while planning your visit.
Address: 18170 Park Entrance Rd, Triangle, VA 22172
GPS Coordinates: 38°33'36.5"N 77°20'55.2"W
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
From the Pine Grove Picnic Area to the end of Burma Road it is roughly 5 miles, making the roundtrip distance close to 10 miles. The elevation gain is roughly 450 feet each way (900 feet total).
Activity
Biking
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
The trails at Prince William Forest Park are open every day from sunrise to sunset for recreation use. The current visitor center hours are Thursday – Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Accessibility Information
The Scenic Drive is a paved road with several steep grades and blind curves for the first two miles. Burma Road is a 1.4 mi (2.3km) crushed rock road. There is a nice gentle descent down to a bridge crossing which is followed by the climbs and descends to the gate at the Park Boundary. The roundtrip distance is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) with 900 feet (274 meters) of elevation gain/loss.