​LOCATION: Triangle , VA
TRAIL DISTANCE: 10.2 Miles
TRAIL HEAD/ DIRECTIONS:  lot e
TRAIL TYPE: loop
TRAIL GRADE:   Difficult (3)
TRAIL PARKING: 20-25 spaces
KEY WORDS: Waterfalls, Age 8+

More Northern VA Hikes

Trail Info
What's to like about the trail:  waterfalls, dense forest,  beautiful waterways. trails ala carte.
Why go for a hike on this trail:​    great metropolitan trail , ability to rack up mileage and enjoy waterfalls, creek crossings and streamside trails. the park has a little bit of everything for all levels of hikers
Best time to go for a hike on this trail: ​  all four seasons

SUMMARY:  The trail summary today is a potpourri of trails that will encounter all the unique topography of the park from waterfalls to forest to river. The trails for the most part are single-track comprised of dirt, roots and crushed gravel, in some preservation areas you will encounter raised trails on bridges and towpaths. 
   Start at parking lot e, cross the road to the Mary Bird trail. the Mary Bird (0.75) will saunter down a vast hill of trees to a small creek and then back up to where it meets the old black top road. here take a right and walk 20 paces to find the high meadows trail on your left. The high meadows trail will ramble for 1.7 miles until the south valley trail. The high meadows area is combination forest, open areas and finishes with a quick descent toward to the south valley trail. be mindful here , During wet periods this area can be quite muddy and can play tricks on your footing. as you come to the south valley trail (  where it meets south fork Quantico Creek) look for your trailhead to the right to begin on the south valley trail. the trail is your longest stretch of our adventure summary, at 2.7 miles. The trail begins creek side, with many scenic spots to enjoy views of the creek or nice spots for a breather. The trail is laced with large trees, roots, and compacted dirt and during wet periods will be very muddy especially the area north of Muwavi road. As south valley crosses Muwavi the trail will encounter plenty of stream crossings, and a large man made waterfall (hydro electric dam) followed by a series of bog areas and low points. It is here where the trails lags as it without much excitement and continues to stroll aimlessly in and out of bog areas and thinned out forest areas near oak ridge campground. As you approach oak ridge campground keep a keen eye out for oak ridge trail on your right. this 1.5 mile long event quickly rollercoasters through the park and is a great area to pick up your speed and make time as there is very little ascent and descent areas. The trail navigates through lush pines and a few stream crossings to a meet point with Old Blacktop road, make a right onto Old Blacktop and take the fire road to Old Blacktop for 1.0 miles to Mary Bird branch trail, here its a left to return to your car. This last 0.7 will bring you back to your car in lot e.
The trail system noted here is of our own making, the beauty of Prince William is there are plenty of self guided trails, trails of varied distance and levels for anyone to put together a quality outing.
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HIKE ON!

GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

• 2 water bottle
• ​trail bars or Lunch
• hiking shoes OR running shoes
• bug spray (summer)