Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Western Prince William County

Looking for something to do as the weather warms up? Western Prince William County has plenty to offer in the way of outdoor activity. Most notably, the area boasts some of the best hiking trails in the entire state of Virginia. These trails will draw people all spring and summer for hiking, biking and walking. So whether you’ve made it a point to get more exercise this year, or you’re just looking for a nice way to spend an afternoon, be sure to check out some of these trails in the area.

If you’re into the Civil War, you have to pay a visit to the Manassas Battlefield trail. Encompassing nearly 5,100 acres of land, Manassas Battlefield Park has more than 40 miles of hiking trails. The first and second Battle of Bull Run took place on these lands, and if you really want to know some history, you can stop on your hike and check out the many interpretive markers that describe the battlefield action that took place.

Conway Robinson State Park is another wonderful place to visit if you want to experience great hiking. It’s actually located adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield, and it serves as a wildlife sanctuary. Perhaps most notably, it serves as one of the largest sections of undeveloped land in northern Virginia. The park offers 5.1 miles of hiking trails that criss-cross through the park’s 444 acres of land.

Just about eight miles from Gainesville, VA lies the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy, a large swath of land just east of the Bull Run Mountains that has been open for public use since 1995. The Walt Disney Company once planned to build a theme park in this scenic location — now the area boasts an extensive trail system with amazing views of the surrounding landscape. The Fern Hollow Loop is the longest trail, at 2.75 miles. There are actually two separate trail systems in the park, a lower system and a revised upper loop, which gives hikers a lot of options. The entire natural preserve is conveniently located just off of Route 66.

Bull Run Marina is another nearby location that isn’t just for boating enthusiasts. The Bull Run Occoquan Trail connects Bull Run, Hemlock Overlook, Bull Run Marina and Fountainhead Regional Park. Running for 19.6 miles, it takes hikers and horseback riders through rich, scenic woodlands areas. Various points of interest along the trail have information about different battle locations, as the area played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War and Civil War.

Northern Virginia is a bustling suburban area, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do outside. Get out there and explore the rich natural landscape in your area!