Located in Prince William County, Virginia, Prince
William Forest Park is the largest natural area in the Washington,
DC, metropolitan region at over 17,000 acres. It was created in
August 1933 as the Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area, one
of 46 recreational demonstration projects in 24 states.
Today, the park has one of the few remaining
Piedmont forest ecosystems and protects the Quantico Creek
watershed. It is a sanctuary for native plants and animals. The park
offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including wildlife
viewing, solitude, hiking on 37 miles of trails, and 11 bicycle
paths. Several camping options, including family and group tent and
rustic cabin camping, backcountry camping, and a full-service,
concessionaire-operated RV campground are also available.
Located in Prince William County, Virginia, Prince
William Forest Park is the largest natural area in the Washington,
DC, metropolitan region at over 17,000 acres. It was created in
August 1933 as the Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area, one
of 46 recreational demonstration projects in 24 states.
Today, the park has one of the few remaining
Piedmont forest ecosystems and protects the Quantico Creek
watershed. It is a sanctuary for native plants and animals. The park
offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including wildlife
viewing, solitude, hiking on 37 miles of trails, and 11 bicycle
paths. Several camping options, including family and group tent and
rustic cabin camping, backcountry camping, and a full-service,
concessionaire-operated RV campground are also available.
One of the most popular activities in Prince
William Forest Park (PWFP) is orienteering. The orienteering course
was created in 1974 by the Swedish National Military Orienteering
team and consists of approximately 60 stations spread over 6 square
kilometers. The 60 stations are organized in 28 courses that range
from easy to difficult. Unlike classic competitive orienteering, the
courses are designed so individuals can use it on their own, as well
as in competitions. PWFP
orienteering stations consist of wooden 4x4 posts panted red on
top for easy spotting in thick woods. Each station is engraved with
a three-digit identifying number. Maps and compasses can be checked
out for day use from the Visitor Center, 7 days a week, 8:30 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Convenient parking and access to the course is located at
the Turkey Run Environmental Center (TREC) parking lot.
*Excerpts and pictures from both the NPS and
Quantico Orienteering Club sites
