Last updated: January 20, 2025
Thing to Do
Hike the Fort Necessity Trails
NPS Photo
The Fort Necessity trail system winds through mixed deciduous forest and meadows. When Washington and his men passed through this area, they found the forest in a virgin state. The trees were large and well spaced with the absence of undergrowth due to the shade of the trees.
The forest has been cleared several times to produce charcoal for iron furnaces and for farming. In places, the trails passes stands of pines. These were planted by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the mid 1930's. As you explore the park, imagine it as seen through the perspective of a youthful commander on his first military campaign on the edge of the wilderness.
A portion of the trail follows the Braddock Road Trace. This is the remnant of the road built by Washington in 1754 and improved by General Braddock's army on their way to Fort Duquesne the next year. This road became one of the major routes of transportation from the east before the completion of the National Road to Wheeling, Virginia in 1818.
Details
Duration
15-180 Minutes
15 minutes – Fort Necessity:
Walk the paved trail from the Visitor Center to Fort Necessity and return.
30 minutes – Braddock Road/French Camp:
Leave the Great Meadows on the Forest Trail, turning right into the woods just before the bridge to the fort. The trail follows Indian Run Creek to the Braddock Road Trace. Follow the Braddock Road to the left 200 ft. Turn left again. This trail returns to the Great Meadows through the French Camp, making a small loop.
45 minutes – Indian Run Loop:
Continue along the Braddock Road Trace another 650 ft., crossing the paved road and the Forest Trail turns to the right. In a short distance the Indian Run Trail bears right and returns to the Braddock Road.
90 minutes – Forest/Meadow Loop:
The Forest Trail continues to the traffic circle at the top of the hill. The Meadow Trail continues through open meadows to your right and passes a peaceful spot where you can stop and enjoy the surrounding landscape with Chestnut Ridge to the west. Just beyond this point, the Meadow Trail splits into the Outer Meadow Trail and the Inner Meadow Trail. The Inner Meadow Trail leads to the hill above Fort Necessity where you can stop to gaze at the setting before returning to the fort area. The Outer Meadow Trail passes through open fields along the park boundary and returns to the fort area.
Longer hikes:
Add the Picnic Area Loop to your Forest/Meadow Loop hike. From the traffic circle, the Picnic Area Spur goes down over the hill and connects to the Picnic Area Loop.
The Picnic Area, Jumonville Glen and Mount Washington Tavern are only open seasonally from May 1st to October 31st. When open, the grounds are available from sunrise to sunset, with the Visitor Center being open 9 AM to 5 PM.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
The Great Meadows was where George Washington and his troops fought a large French and Indian force on July 3, 1754, forever immortalizing the ground. The area near the benches where the Forest Trail leaves the meadow is believed to be where the French and Indians used the forest for cover while directing their most effective fire on Washington's forces.The trails leaving the fort area wind through mixed deciduous forest. When Washington and his men passed through this area, they found the forest in a virgin state.
Cross-country skiing is available in winter. The trails are not groomed.
Age(s)
Trails suitable for all ages.
Pets Allowed
Yes
All dogs must remain on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) and all pets must be under control at all times. Pet owners are required to clean up after their pets and prevent them from harming park plants and wildlife. Pets are not allowed inside the visitor center.
If you visit during the summer months, please do not leave your pet in your parked vehicle. Even with the windows rolled down slightly, temperatures inside a locked car can climb to unsafe levels!
Activity Fee
No
There are no entrance fees at Fort Necessity National Battlefield.
Location
Trails begin from Fort Necessity, the Picnic Area, and Jumonville Glen
Five miles of hiking trails lead through forest and meadows around Fort Necessity. Some start off the battlefield, and others the Picnic Area. There is also a trail at Jumonville Glen and a short walking path at Braddock's Grave. Trail maps for the fort are available at the Visitor Center.
The Picnic Area, Jumonville Glen, and Mount Washington Tavern are only open seasonally from May 1st through October 31st. When open, the grounds are available from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center and restrooms are available 9 AM to 5 PM.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Hiking is allowed in all seasons. Some areas of the trails remain wet for a significant period following rain. In the winter months, there may be a significant snow on the trails. The paved trail to from the Visitor Center to Fort and Great Meadows is the only trail that is cleared. Be prepared with proper clothing and footwear. The Jumonville Glen is closed from November through April.
Time of Day
Day
The grounds and trails at Fort Necessity are open from sunrise to sunset.
Accessibility Information
The trail from the Visitor Center to Fort Necessity is wheelchair accessible. It is paved and fairly level. It is a 300 yard walk from the Visitor Center to the fort.
The other trails in the park are not paved. They can be rough, un-even, and/or soggy at any time of the year. Jumonville Glen and Braddock's Grave have sections that are accessible, but not everything.
Pets are welcome on all trails, as long as they are on leash at all times. Please make sure to clean up after them, and prevent them from interacting with wildlife. Pets are not allowed in the buildings.