What Is Prince William Forest Park?
This park is a nature preserve founded in 1936 as the Chopawamsic Recreation Area where children could play during the Great Depression!
What Makes It Beautiful?
This is a very easygoing park, at least when I visited right after a rainstorm! With gently sloping trails through lush woodland and over calm streams, it’s a very meditative place not far from the bustle of the nation’s capital. All of this has grown up around the ruins of the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine and the neighboring towns of Hickory Ridge and Batestown, showing how nature can rebuild after destruction! Walk along, guided by colorful tree blazes, or enjoy a picnic by lazy Quantico Creek. Prince William Forest Park isn’t a place to be rushed but enjoyed.
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Prince William Forest Park!
- Donate to Prince William Forest Park!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
18170 Park Entrance Rd
Triangle, VA 22172
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
During daylight savings time, visitor center hours are 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM daily, and the rest of the year, they’re open Friday through Monday from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM!
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