Four Itchy Feet

April 22, 2025. Prince William County, Virginia.

We returned to hike at Prince William Forest National Park. We visited last Saturday and enjoyed it so much that we decided to return for a hike. Hiking trails meander through 37 miles of the park, winding along the two forks of Quantico Creek and crossing the short ridges in the park’s interior. We decided on the South Valley Trail, approximately 4 miles with little elevation change. The park serves as the largest example of Eastern Piedmont forest in the National Park System. The park also protects the Quantico Creek watershed. It is a sanctuary for numerous native plant and animal species.

One of the most unique features of the trails is the thick forest canopy above you, present throughout the hike. We had the trail to ourselves and enjoyed the solitude it provided. Prince William Forest National Park never disappoints; the park is meticulously maintained, picnic areas and facilities are always available, and bathrooms are always clean. Park rangers are visibly patrolling the park with windows rolled down to welcome questions and offer a sense of security to parkgoers. This park is a true refuge for city dwellers who can escape the densely populated Northern Virginia area and provide a taste of the forest just minutes away from the city. It provides a great recreational opportunity to service members stationed at the nearby Marine Corps Base in Quantico. When visiting the area, do not miss a day at this wonderful park.