Needing some exercise and not having visited the Prince William Forest Park for years, Sheila and I headed to the south end of the county on a Sunday afternoon two weeks ago for some easy trail hiking; emphasis on easy. The park contains some 15,000 acres and is really a "hidden" jewel in Prince William County. The area has a long history in the county and much of the attention was attributed to its proximity to Quantico Creek. In the 1930s, the area began drawing national attention. In 1935, 11,000 acres of what is now the park was set aside as the Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area. The area then became a project of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps - for you non historians and youngsters) which set up camps for children and engaged in logging and crushing on-site rock, among other things. In 1936 the National Park Service turned its eye on the property and began accumulating additional parcels which now comprises the full Park. In the 1940s the OCS (Office of Strategic Studies - precursor to the CIA) used the park land for the training of spies. Well, that was yesterday. Today the Park provides 37 miles of hiking trails, bicycle trails, and camping. You can fish in the Park (even trout - although I've not tried it). Again, it's a "hidden" jewel.
Nevertheless, we just wanted a trail; an easy one at that. We picked the Turkey Run Ridge Trail which was only about a mile and half with gentle undulations - meaning no steep inclines!
The trail begins in the area of the Turkey Run Education Center and begins with a descent; meaning that the return is an ascent. The planning obviously wasn't foolproof.
It was sunny and warm, almost hot or so it seemed by the time we finished.
It looks black but our trail marks were actually blue.
Sheila on the descent.
Stooping to avoid a cobweb.
Nearing the point of no return.
Again, the Park Service leaves the dead wood and debris as it falls or, in this case, stands. Seems like some chewing has taken place on the bottom portion although we saw no animals on the trek including - no turkeys. No comment please.
Although not marked, I have to believe this was the Turkey Run.
At the end, it was nice to sit and rest. Cooler weather and we'll be back for more.
...til later.
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