A Moderate Hike in Prince William Forest Park - Beaver Loop!
- March 23 · 10:00 AM
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Hike in Prince William Forest Park: A Moderate 6.8 Miles: The Beaver Loop!
Approximate driving times for this hike: From Washington, D.C. - 45 minutes; from Fredericksburg, VA - 20 minutes; from Manassas, VA - 20 minutes
"This may have just become my favorite local hike. It's a very pretty hike, following a creek for a good bit of the way. The path is narrow and rustic, but level enough that you can look around as you walk. No long uphills." - Tom- A Member of The Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group!
Roughly 100 miles inland from Virginia’s coast, a geologic boundary called the fall line marks a change in the landscape. Here, the sandy soil of Virginia’s coastal plain segues into the bedrock underlying the Piedmont. The effect is pronounced on rivers, where waterfalls and rapids form. Historically, these acted as barriers to ocean-faring vessels. Towns formed up and down the fall line to handle commerce between inland farmers and traders. Prince William Forest Park, a small national park straddling the fall line in Prince William County, is tied to this history through the tobacco farmers and miners who used the nearby port town of Dumfries to ship their goods. Today, the park still receives heavy use, but now hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers are drawn by the cascades, wildlife, rare plants, and historic ruins.
A dense and heavy canopy keeps the sun and rain out! An amazinging beautiful creek runs along entire length of South Valley Trail and hiker feedback says this makes this hike worth a drive from anywhere!
Transition Hike
This is a fantastic transition hike for anyone looking to progress from easy level hiking to a more moderate level as there is just the right amount of elevation gain/change, but with no long hills.
Hike Pace
This hike will be led at the pace of an average hikers, between 2.5 - 3.0mph.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Triangle, VA
Length: 6.8 total miles
Elevation Gain: 611 feet (Some hills, but none too steep or long)
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate 2.5mph pace
Duration: 3-4 hours
Trail Surface: A combination of dirt forest paths, dirt roads, and paved roads lead through hardwood forests and along streams to small cascades, rock outcrops, and waterfalls
Season: Year round; limited winter camping
Trailhead Elevation: 100 feet
Top Elevation: 300 feet
Local Maps: USGS Quantico, Joplin
Topo Map: Prince William Forest Park Topographic Map
Guide Book: Hiking Virginia (Burnham) Guide Book
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here for up to the minute weather information for the trailhead.
Gear Information
Here are some suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.
Carpool Information
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan, people can arrange to meet a Savage Station. you should post that in the Comments section. Click here for directions to Savage Station.
If you can drive or want to carpool from another location, please post the location in the comment section below. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to Where We Meet for This Hike.
Hike is at 10:00 a.m.
Carpool from Baltimore area is 8:30 a.m.
Park Entrance Fee
The fee is $5 per vehicle and is valid for seven consecutive days. You must drive to the Visitor Center to pay, just follow the signs.
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing leaving no trace.
A Leashed Fido is Welcome on This Hike
Please take the hike leaders number with you and enjoy the hike!
Mike: [masked]
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Nikki Connally
Work is stealing my Saturday so I will not be able to attend tomorrow. It was my first event too...bummer! Have fun and enjoy the beautiful weather!!
March 23
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Julia
I have a Senior Pass which gives me free entrance to all national parks. Can I skip going to the visitor center or is there some sort of placard or pass I need for my car?
March 22
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Dennis
Julia, there is a ranger shack at the entrance to Prince William Forest Park, not always manned. If there is a ranger there, you show your pass for entrance. If there is no one in the shack, you do not need to go to the Visitor Center. You can go directly to the Turkey Run meetup location. I generally leave my pass visible on the dash even though the rangers have told me that that is not necessary. Hope that helps.
March 22
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Kathy M
unfortunately I have a last minute staff meeting to attend tomorrow. Hopefully someone can jump in and take my place.
March 22
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Sarah Tascone
I would share gas if someone could give me a ride anywhere along the Metro line.
March 22
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Christine
Hi Hiromi and Zakya, I can drive you! I live in the Capitol Hill area, so I can plan to pick you up perhaps at the South Capitol Station? Let me know!
March 14
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Hiromi
Hi Christine, it is very kind of you! I would be pleased to share the gas cost! I will send you my cell phone number to your email. Thanks!
March 14
20 attended
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Nicole +1
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Christine
Checked-in -
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Kellie Carlisle
Certified Hike Leader and Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Organizer
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Kolie
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Karla +1
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Justin Carlisle
Certified Hike Leader and Wilderness Medical First Responder, Co-Organizer
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Jisel +1
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Your organizer's refund policy for A Moderate Hike in Prince William Forest Park - Beaver Loop!
Refunds offered if:
- the Meetup is cancelled
- the Meetup is rescheduled
- you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup
Additional notes: Refund only if you cancel 48 hours PRIOR to the start time of the hike..
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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