5 Hiking Trails to Explore this Fall

Fall is the perfect time to get outside, take in the crisp fall air and go for a hike! Peak fall foliage is predicted for around November 3 this year and Prince William County Parks offers numerous trails where you can enjoy all the beautiful colors of fall. There are also many health benefits you can experience from hiking. Hiking can help you build stronger muscles and bones, as well as improve your sense of balance. Being in nature can also boost your mood. According to a study done by researchers at Stanford University, spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety and can lead to a lower risk of depression.

We have so many great trails in Prince William County where you can take a stroll and enjoy a beautiful fall day outside. Here are five we think you’ll enjoy.

Broad Run Trail
In case you missed it, Broad Run Trail in Linton Hall recently got a new bridge—the new Rocky Brand Bridge restores an important trail connection across Broad Run in the Braemar/Dunbarton community. The original bridge, installed in 2012–2013, was washed out during a major flooding event in July 2018. Broad Run Linear Park has 6 miles of natural surface trail that follow the Broad Run Stream Valley. Only bicycles and pedestrians are permitted. Broad Run Linear Park is the heart of the planned Broad Run Greenway. Currently, the Greenway consists of natural surface trails within Broad Run Linear Park. The best way to access the trails is to park at Victory ES. (Please obey all posted parking regulations.) 

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. 

Hellwig also features a story trail courtesy of the Prince William County Library featuring a new story each season. It’s a short one-mile hike perfect for kids. The story trail located behind Independent Hill Library. 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 originally created and installed by local Eagle Scouts.

Neabsco Regional Park and Neabsco Creek Boardwalk
Neabsco Regional Park and the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk in Woodbridge are great places to see some beautiful fall foliage. 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.

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. 

A popular trail is the Lake Ridge Trail, a .8 mile out-and-back trail. The trail is generally considered an "easy" hike, taking an average of 19 mins to complete.

If you're looking for a longer hike, check out the East End Trail, a 5.5 mile out-and-back trail. The trail is considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of 2 hours to complete. This trail is great for hiking, running, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off leash in some areas.

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

According to users on AllTrails.com, the most popular 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.

Looking for more? Download our PWC RecMapper app where you can view photos and trail information such as trails lengths, surface type, map routes and more, as well as information on parks, facilities and historic properties. The app allows you to view amenities by map or list; filter and search what’s important to you; or get directions and map out your route. 

If you’re out on a hike at any of our trails and capture some of the beautiful fall colors, we encourage you to share your photos with us on social media by tagging @PWCparks or by using the hashtag #PWCparks.