Celebrate National Take a Hike Day with Prince William County Parks!

November 17 is National Take a Hike Day—the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and picturesque fall landscapes, and get those steps in. Whether you’re looking to go on a short walk or get a more advanced hike in, we’ve got so many beautiful parks and trails for you to enjoy. Below are a few we think are worth the hike. To learn more about all of our trails click here for our interactive trail map.

Lake Ridge Park

Located directly on the Occoquan Reservoir in Woodbridge, Lake Ridge Park is a 74-acre park that maintains unencumbered public access to the Occoquan Water Trail with breathtaking views. 

According to frequent hikers, the best place at Lake Ridge Park to hike is the Occoquan River Paddle Route. The trail is 4.1 miles long and takes an average of 1 hour and 39 minutes to hike. The longest trail is East end Trail: Cotton Mill to Lake Ridge Marina. The trail is estimated to be 5.5 miles long and takes on average just about 2 hours to hike.

Locust Shade Park

Located next to the Marine Corps Heritage Museum in Triangle, Virginia, Locust Shade Park is minutes from I-95. Locust Shade Park offers scenic beauty, tranquil water and picturesque trails.

According to users on AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Locust Shade Park is John Palmer Trail which has a 4.6 star rating from 163 reviews. The trail is 2.1 miles long with an elevation gain of 223 ft and takes an average of 50 minutes to hike.

George Hellwig Memorial Park 

George Hellwig Memorial Park in Manassas features a stone dust trail equipped with a few fitness stations along the way. Runners, walkers and cyclists can enjoy this trail year-round. 

For a fun, short one-mile hike with the kids, check out our Story Trail located behind Independent Hill Library in Manassas. Thanks to a collaboration with Prince William Public Libraries and Keep Prince William Beautiful, visitors can follow a story through 16 stations around a one-mile loop. While the trail is permanent, the stories change throughout each season. The story displays were created and installed by local Eagle Scouts.

Neabsco Creek Boardwalk

A favorite of many, the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk in Woodbridge is a great place for a stroll. Here you can experience the beautiful views along the scenic ¾ mile boardwalk. Part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, the boardwalk connects trails and historic sites throughout Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.  While you’re there you might also see some bald eagles, ospreys, turtles and deer so be on the lookout. The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, stroller and dog-friendly (leashed), and there are observation decks (via steps) for a better view of your surroundings including Occoquan Bay in the distance.

Beginning December 1, our 2nd annual Holiday Walk of Lights will kick off at Neabsco Regional Park. For more details, click here. 

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park is a 140-acre historic site in western Prince William County. You can visit this historic and natural treasure at the corner of Iron Bridge Unit Avenue and Tenth Alabama Way in Bristow, Virginia, just off Bristow Road.

This peaceful landscape features more than 2.7 miles of walking and equestrian trails. The trail is a mixture of gravel, grass and wooden walkways with historic markers along the way. The trail is kid, dog and horse friendly - but be mindful that after rainfall there can be pooling of waters in various areas along the trail. Wildlife abounds in the fields, woods, and ponds. Click here for a map of the park’s trails.

The parks and trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset free of charge. Guided tours are offered at 11am, 1 pm and 3 pm on the second and fourth weekend of the month from May through October. Special group tours can be arranged by calling (703) 366-3049. Please note there are no restrooms, concessions or camping facilities on site.