Almost a month ago, my friend Daryl and I finally got out to do some hiking together! We both keep busy work schedules, but we managed to find a time to get out and see some nature together. We decided to visit Prince William Forest Park in Virginia, and it is just outside of DC!
Daryl and I decided to enjoy the Farms to Forest Trail, which is located by the Oak Ridge Campground. This is an easy trail that is a loop of 2.6 miles and 167 feet of elevation gain. If this is too much for you, there is a smaller loop of .8 miles as well. The trail is located in the back of the park, making it very quiet. We did not see anyone else while on our journey, and there is a small parking lot by the trail head.
The best thing about visiting this park in July was the forest part of the park, as we were shaded for the whole journey. We did happen to visit on a not terribly hot day, but the shade was still appreciated.
One of the things I was excited about on this particular trail was the prospect of seeing beavers! In hindsight, seeing a beaver was probably unlikely in the middle of July, but this trail is known for having beaver sightings. There is a small creek around the midpoint of the trail, and there were some remnants of possible beaver habitats as we wandered by. I guess I will need to return when it is dam building season!
A visit to Prince William Forest Park is $10/car, but it was free with my National Parks pass. After my visits to the Arch in St. Louis, Shenandoah, and now here, I’m at a value of $43/$80 for my new America the Beautiful pass.
I’m heading up to Camden, Maine, later this week, and I am hoping to have an opportunity to see Acadia National Park during that visit. I hope to have another National Parks adventure soon!
Amanda's Adventures 