When you think of national parks in Virginia, it’s likely Shenandoah National Park that comes to mind. Or perhaps Great Falls Park. But fewer people realize that the Old Dominion is home to 22 national parks! Of course, the term “park” can refer to a trail, seashore, cemetery, or monument. Today, we’d like to add a beautiful national park to your radar: Prince William Forest Park. Located in Triangle, Virginia, this hidden sanctuary is just a stone’s throw from Washington, D.C. However, when you visit, you’ll feel completely immersed in the natural landscape. Here’s how you can spend the perfect day outdoors when you head out to visit this beautiful national park in Virginia.
In 1936, Prince William Park was established on 16,000 acres of land in northern Virginia.
ConradoSY / TripAdvisor In fact, there are still remnants of the three towns that were evicted to create the park. There are also ruins of an old pyrite mine.
When you pay a visit to this national park in Virginia today, you’ll feel as though you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of the nearby cities.
paxa / TripAdvisor
Prince William Forest Park features 37 miles of hiking trails to enjoy, plus there are 21 miles of biking trails.
paxa / TripAdvisor
Meandering along the trail system, you’ll encounter beautiful wildlife and perhaps even a waterfall or two.
flyingsails / TripAdvisor Photographed above is one of the small waterfalls you’ll find on the Laurel Loop Trail.
Of course, you don’t need to hike or bike to enjoy the park’s beauty. There are designated picnic areas where you can enjoy your lunch under the canopy of trees.
ITRT / TripAdvisor
And, if you’re hoping to extend your stay, you’ll find a peaceful campground where you can sleep under the stars.
3841C / TripAdvisor
So whether you’re looking for a much-needed escape into nature, or perhaps you’re curious to learn a little more about the natural landscape, you’ll find there’s plenty to discover inside this hidden gem of a national park.
ITRT / TripAdvisor
Have you ever paid a visit to this national park in Virginia? What did you enjoy most about your visit? We’d love to hear from you – be sure to leave a comment below!
ConradoSY / TripAdvisor
In fact, there are still remnants of the three towns that were evicted to create the park. There are also ruins of an old pyrite mine.
paxa / TripAdvisor
flyingsails / TripAdvisor
Photographed above is one of the small waterfalls you’ll find on the Laurel Loop Trail.
ITRT / TripAdvisor
3841C / TripAdvisor
For related content, you’ll enjoy learning more about Virginia’s underrated state parks.
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Address: 18170 Park Entrance Rd, Triangle, VA 22172, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National park to visit in Virginia February 05, 2022 Sarah M. How many national parks are there in Virginia? Are you ready for this? Virginia is home to more than 20 national parks, several with historic significance. They offer a quiet retreat for residents and visitors looking for examples of Virginia’s awe-inspiring landscape and history. Blue Ridge Parkway, Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park are all amazing national parks and sites to visit in Virginia. What’s the most famous national park in Virginia? The most famous national park in Virginia is, hands down, Shenandoah National Park. There is an absolute abundance of adventure waiting to be had here. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, and for good reason: Shenandoah National Park boasts remarkable topography, filled with lush forests, rushing waterfalls, and magnificent mountains and gorges. Rock climbing is particularly incredible here, too. The mountains that lie within the park rise dramatically from the valley floor, some up to 3,000 feet of elevation. Wildlife watchers adore this park, too; deer, wild turkeys, foxes, and bobcats are common here, especially in the morning or at dusk. Black bears are the only species of bear found in Shenandoah National Park. They are fairly common, especially around campsites. (Park officials estimate there are several hundred black bears in Shenandoah!) It’s a nature lover’s paradise, and we simply adore everything about it!
What are some must-visit state parks in Virginia? Did you realize that our state boasts 37 beautiful parks? While many are well-known and loved (we’re looking at you, Grayson Highlands State Park and First Landing State Park), we also enjoy visiting the state parks in Virginia that tend to fly under the radar. Some of our favorites include: Caledon State Park, Chippokes Plantation State Park, Douthat State Park, Holliday Lake State Park, Leesylvania State Park, and New River Trail State Park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
National park to visit in Virginia
February 05, 2022
Sarah M.
How many national parks are there in Virginia? Are you ready for this? Virginia is home to more than 20 national parks, several with historic significance. They offer a quiet retreat for residents and visitors looking for examples of Virginia’s awe-inspiring landscape and history. Blue Ridge Parkway, Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park are all amazing national parks and sites to visit in Virginia. What’s the most famous national park in Virginia? The most famous national park in Virginia is, hands down, Shenandoah National Park. There is an absolute abundance of adventure waiting to be had here. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, and for good reason: Shenandoah National Park boasts remarkable topography, filled with lush forests, rushing waterfalls, and magnificent mountains and gorges. Rock climbing is particularly incredible here, too. The mountains that lie within the park rise dramatically from the valley floor, some up to 3,000 feet of elevation. Wildlife watchers adore this park, too; deer, wild turkeys, foxes, and bobcats are common here, especially in the morning or at dusk. Black bears are the only species of bear found in Shenandoah National Park. They are fairly common, especially around campsites. (Park officials estimate there are several hundred black bears in Shenandoah!) It’s a nature lover’s paradise, and we simply adore everything about it!
What are some must-visit state parks in Virginia? Did you realize that our state boasts 37 beautiful parks? While many are well-known and loved (we’re looking at you, Grayson Highlands State Park and First Landing State Park), we also enjoy visiting the state parks in Virginia that tend to fly under the radar. Some of our favorites include: Caledon State Park, Chippokes Plantation State Park, Douthat State Park, Holliday Lake State Park, Leesylvania State Park, and New River Trail State Park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Are you ready for this? Virginia is home to more than 20 national parks, several with historic significance. They offer a quiet retreat for residents and visitors looking for examples of Virginia’s awe-inspiring landscape and history. Blue Ridge Parkway, Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park, Fort Monroe National Monument, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park are all amazing national parks and sites to visit in Virginia.
What’s the most famous national park in Virginia?
The most famous national park in Virginia is, hands down, Shenandoah National Park. There is an absolute abundance of adventure waiting to be had here. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, and for good reason: Shenandoah National Park boasts remarkable topography, filled with lush forests, rushing waterfalls, and magnificent mountains and gorges. Rock climbing is particularly incredible here, too. The mountains that lie within the park rise dramatically from the valley floor, some up to 3,000 feet of elevation. Wildlife watchers adore this park, too; deer, wild turkeys, foxes, and bobcats are common here, especially in the morning or at dusk. Black bears are the only species of bear found in Shenandoah National Park. They are fairly common, especially around campsites. (Park officials estimate there are several hundred black bears in Shenandoah!) It’s a nature lover’s paradise, and we simply adore everything about it!
What are some must-visit state parks in Virginia?
Did you realize that our state boasts 37 beautiful parks? While many are well-known and loved (we’re looking at you, Grayson Highlands State Park and First Landing State Park), we also enjoy visiting the state parks in Virginia that tend to fly under the radar. Some of our favorites include: Caledon State Park, Chippokes Plantation State Park, Douthat State Park, Holliday Lake State Park, Leesylvania State Park, and New River Trail State Park.
