Trailhead for the Piedmont Forest Trail in Prince William Forest Park

Length: .4-mile loop
Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

The Piedmont Forest Trail at Prince William Forest Park is a short loop trail located near the Pine Grove Picnic Area. It is a typical nature trail designed as an easy walk for families with small children or for those who cannot walk long distances. The surface of the trail is made from the rubber of recycled tires, the same type of spongy material that you find at children’s playgrounds. This is not a trail for serious hikers.

Surface of the Piedmont Forest Trail at Prince William Forest Park is made from recycled tires

There are two parking lots at the picnic area. One is located directly in front of the Prince William Forest Park Visitor Center, but if you want to hike the trail, the trailhead is much closer to the second parking lot just around the corner. Look for the colorful sign with a butterfly on it.

As you walk around the trail you will find a few wayside exhibits about the forest and small signs that identify various tree and plant species. There is also an observation deck with benches where you can sit and look at the forest. The path to the observation deck is slightly downhill, so if you have a problem walking you might want to skip this detour. The rest of the trail is fairly level and accessible by everyone, even those in wheelchairs.