Prince William Forest Park

Prince William Forest Park, located in the northern region of Virginia, is an escape into nature for city dwellers and country folks alike.

Only 35 miles south of Washington, D.C., Prince William Forest is accessible to residents of the nation’s capital and its surrounding areas.

Prince William Forest Park was first inhabited by Native Americans, who lived on the land between 10,000 and 3,000 years ago.

Some of the most commonly found artifacts at Prince William Forest Park are small stone flakes once used as parts of tools. These flakes have helped archaeologists to determine that Native Americans lived on the ridges of Quantico Creek.

The area that is now the park was then lived on and inhabited by Virginians from the 1600s to 1900s. The park has over 45 cemeteries in its borders. Many of these people have been identified, and their stories can be read at the park.

In 1936, the area was opened as a children’s relief camp during the Depression. The park was renamed Prince William Forest in 1948, and today, serves as an oasis for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts.

Throughout the years, the area was used as a summer camp, a Civilian Conservation Corps, and an Office of Strategic Services.

Location

Prince William Forest Park is located in Northern Virginia, just 35 miles south of Washington, D.C.

The park is located in Triangle, Virginia. It is a 45 minute drive from Washington, D.C., and can be reached by following I-95 South.

The park is a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Richmond, reached by driving on I-95 North.

From Roanoke, the park is a 3.5-hour drive.

The address of the park is 18100 Park Headquarters Road, Triangle, Virginia, 22172.

Hours and Admission

The Prince William Forest Park Visitor Center is open year round, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Visitor Center is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Ranger led programs are held throughout the year. Visitors can contact the Visitor Center to find out the schedule of events.

Admission to the park is $3 per individual for walk-ins, bikers, and motorcycles. Passes are valid for seven consecutive days.

Admission is $5 per vehicle for single passenger vehicles with less than 14 passengers. Passes are valid for seven consecutive days.

Things to Do

Prince William Forest Park has a wide variety of things to do. The park provides 37 miles of hiking trails, a 12 mile Scenic Drive popular with bicyclists, and cabin and tent camping.

Although it is so close to Washington, D.C., the park has numerous species of wildlife animals.

The park has 38 species of mammals, 23 species of fish, and over 100 species of birds.

In the winter, snowshoeing and cross country skiing can be done at the park, weather permitting.