Prince William Forest Park - South Valley Trail

In the words of America's Best Idea documentarian Ken Burns, the "most special places in the nation [national parks] should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone." Originally designed to serve the recreational needs of urban Washington DC youth, Prince William Forest Park exemplifies this democratic commitment. After all, what can be more democratic than 37 miles of hiking trails located just 35 miles south of the nation's capital?

Resting on a trail-side boulder at Prince William Forest Park

The Setting

Considering the relentless pace of Northern Virginia development, the very existence of Prince William Forest Park (PWFP), a 15,000 acre parcel of Eastern Piedmont forest, is a pleasant surprise. With sustenance from the free-flowing Quantico Creek, deciduous trees like the Red Maple, American Beech, and White Oak call this home - as do the Eastern Box Turtle and the American Beaver. The preserved eco-system of PWFP represents our land before it was our land.

As usual, the best way to experience the magic of Prince William Forest Park is on your own two feet. The South Valley Trail, the park's longest at 8.7 miles, is fan favorite. The linear trail extends from the Oak Ridge Campground in the northwest corner of the park to Pyrite Mine Road in the southeast corner near the visitor center. Sections of the trail vary greatly in their scenery and popularity.

1. Oak Ridge Campground to Mawavi: Most remote - features significant tree casualties from the April 2006 forest fire.
2. Mawavi to Taylor Farm Road: Follows Quantico Creek, switching between creek bank and ridge walking.
3. Taylor Farm Road to Orenda Road: Most popular and most accessible section featuring generously-sized boulders ideal for relaxing by Quantico Creek.

How to Hike the South Valley Trail

White blaze of the South Valley Trail in Prince William Forest Park

One foot in front of the other.

But seriously, unless you're willing to put in a very long day, hiking from one end to the other and back may not work for you. For a leisurely experience, you can park in a lot on Scenic Drive with easy trail access. For a challenge, try one of these options:

• Car/Bike Shuttle: If you're hiking with a friend, park one car at the visitor center and the other at Oak Ridge Campground. Solo hiker? Make it a multi-sport adventure and shuttle yourself by bicycle along Scenic Drive.
• Beaver Loop (6.9 miles): Park at the Turkey Run Education Center and hike west on the High Meadows Trail. Bear left at the High Meadows / South Valley intersection and head south on the trail. Return to the lot via the Turkey Run Ridge Trail. Looking for less mileage? Cut the loop down to 4-5 miles by using Taylor Farm Road.

When to Go

Prince William Forest Park is a top-notch hiking destination in any of the four Northern Virginia seasons. In the spring, the park is teeming with wildlife and flowering shrubbery. In October and November, shades of orange, red, and yellow dominate the park. PWFP may not offer the sweeping fall foliage vistas of Shenandoah, but don't let that dissuade you - this deciduous forest puts on a show.

Location / Directions: Triangle, VA
Trail Distance: 8.7 miles
Surface / Difficulty: Natural; Moderate
Trail Map: Maps page for Prince William Forest Park
Facebook: Prince William Forest Park
Twitter: @PWForestPark
Additional Info: See the park's website for upcoming events and more

Quantico Creek's most famous citizen - the American Beaver - has a new neighbor. Volunteer with the Spooky Beavers crew of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club to do your part for the park.

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