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MATPRA is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.

Visit Prince William

8 “Not To Miss” Hikes In Prince William, VA

Whether you’re new to hiking or an avid trailblazer, Prince William, VA has a wide variety of scenic hikes to enjoy. Hike through hallowed grounds, challenge your stamina, or enjoy a family-friendly excursion – here are 8 hikes that you won’t want to miss.

1. Deep Cut Loop Trail 

Head over to Manassas National Battlefield Park for a 1.2-mile historic hike along Deep Cut Loop Trail. This awesome trail follows the line of the unfinished Manassas gap railroad that was occupied by Stonewall Jackson’s troops during the Battle of Second Manassas in August 1862. The trail is well marked with historical markers showing the points of view of the participants of both sides during the battle. The trail has a couple of moderate hills however it is still a relatively easy hike. View the Manassas National Battlefield Park Trail Map.

2. Conway Robinson State Forest

Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, Conway Robinson State Forest is easily accessible, with plenty of beautiful forest scenery to enthrall you during your hike. With a variety of trails to enjoy, your hike can last anywhere between 1 to 3 miles, depending on which trail you choose. For the most part, the trails are easy to hike and fairly flat –  an ideal hike to do with your family. View the Conway Robinson State Forest Trail Map.

3. Locust Shade Park

Located just minutes from I-95, next to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, you will find Locust Shade Park. Open year-round, this 400-acre park has some lovely, picturesque trails waiting to be explored. There are 3.2 miles of scenic nature trails and a 15-station fitness trail – for those looking to work-out or to improve their stamina. The fitness trail goes through some hilly and wooded terrain, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. View Locust Shade Park Trail Map

4. Matthews Hill

Another trail set at historical Manassas National Battlefield Park is the Matthews Hill one-mile loop. Begin your hike at the Matthews Hill parking lot where the trail leads upwards. At the top of the hill, you’ll be able to enjoy the view of the historic Stone House on Henry Hill in the distance. The trail then descends down the hill and enter the woods. Historical markers along the trail reference the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run). Explore additional trails telling the story of Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run).

Silver Lake Regional Park

5. Silver Lake Regional Park

If you’re looking for a hike with plenty of scenic beauty, then take a trip to Silver Lake Regional Park. This 230-acres park offers pine forests, rolling meadows, and a 23-acre lake. There are four miles of hiking and equestrian trails, picnic areas and public restrooms available – making it a perfect spot for a family hike. View Silver Lake Park Trail Map.

6. James Long Park

The trails at James Long Park run along natural surfaces, including some terrain which is both hilly and wooded. The trail is approximately 4 miles long and is often shared between hikers and equestrians. This is another good family-friendly location, with plenty of activities on offer, including a playground. The trail also allows for some lovely views of the Catharpin Creek. View James Long Park Trail Map.

7. George Hellwig Memorial Park

The main attraction here is the one-mile stonedust looped trail through the woods. The George Hellwig Memorial Park trail is perfect for beginners or experienced hikers looking for a place to train. The trail also features a variety of fitness stations. Bringing the kids? Enjoy a picnic lunch in the pavilion next to the playground.  View George Hellwig Memorial Park Trail Map

8. Nokesville Park

At Nokesville Park, you will find 2 miles worth of natural surface trails as well as additional trail routes that take you around the edges of the park. The trails are shared between hikers, cyclists and equestrians, so be sure to remain attentive whilst enjoying the wonderful scenery.  View Nokesville Park Trail Map

Camping & RVing in Northern Virginia

With beautiful parks including two National Parks and one State Park, Prince William is the perfect place for outdoor camping or RV experience! In addition to being conveniently located outside of Washington DC, Prince William offers tents, cabins, and full hook-up RV campsites. Perfect for a road trip detour or an overnight stay.

**Please contact venues directly for opening status and hours of operations.**

Prince William Forest Park – National Park

With 3 front-country campgrounds, 1 back-country campground and 5 cabin camps, Prince William Forest Park offers prime tent and RV camping in the Northern Virginia/DC area. The park gives visitors a unique opportunity to camp in, hike through, and explore 15,000 wooded acres filled with wildlife and more than 300 years of human history. Campers can enjoy an array of outdoor activities at the park including the 37 miles of hiking trails, on and off-road biking, bird watching, an orienteering coarse, as well as streams and ponds for fishing (permit required and can be obtained at the parks Visitor Center).

Chopawamsic Backcountry Camp Sites

Chopawamsic (chop-ah-wahm-zik) Backcountry Area, which means by the small “divided streams” or “river flats” in Algonquian, is 1,500…

Oak Ridge Campground

Oak Ridge Campground is a 100-site campground with bathrooms, grills, picnic tables, and drive-up campsites. Both tents and RVs are…

Prince William Forest Park Historic Cabin Camps

These rustic camps, constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, contain sleeping cabins , mess halls with complete…

Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground

Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground(tents only) is a 9-site campground with bathrooms (no showers), grills and picnic tables. Sites hold…

Dog-Friendly Spots In Prince William, VA

PUPS WELCOME!

Going on a vacation can be difficult when planning a trip for you and your furry, four-legged friends. Fortunately, Prince William, VA is an ideal pet-friendly destination. Below are some of the great parks, dog parks, restaurants, hotels, and events where you and your dog can spend some time together during your trip.

DOG-FRIENDLY PARKS

dog prince william forest park(Picture: Prince William Forest Park)

1. Locust Shade Park

A dog looking away from the camera towards trees in a forestLocust Shade Park is a beautiful, 400-acre park that is great for a family trip with your pup. Children can enjoy miniature golf and playgrounds. And your dog is sure to enjoy all of the smells present along the hiking trails. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy your meal with a lovely waterfront view.

Your dog will love the shoreline and flowing water!

2. Prince William Forest Park

springtime view of Quantico Creek in Prince William Forest ParkYou could spend an entire day exploring the beautiful scenery available in Prince William Forest Park. The beautiful foliage and ample space for you and your dog to walk (and sniff) make this National Park the perfect destination during your dog-friendly vacation. Go during the fall to enjoy the colors of autumn, or during the spring to see all of the trees in full bloom. Prince William Forest Park is a great place to camp overnight with your dog. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience. Read about the park’s pet policy.

Your dog will love running through all of the colorful leaves on the ground!

3. Leesylvania State Park

Leesylvania State Park Fishing pier at duskLeesylvania State Park is a unique park with a historic trail, small beach, and fishing pier. Go for a walk with your pup on Lee’s Woods Historic Trail, where you will find Civil War points of interest. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by trees and a view of the Potomac River. After lunch, you and Fido can dip your toes in the sand and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the river. Leesylvania also allows pets to stay with their owners in overnight cabins. Read about the park’s pet policy.

Your dog will love playing in the water at Leesylvania’s beach!

4. Veterans Memorial Park

A dog sitting and looking away from the cameraVeterans Memorial Park is located adjacent to the Marumsco Creek, Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge and the Occoquan Bay National Water Reserve. Your dog is sure to love watching the ducks swimming in the pond and smelling the water. You will love the nice, easy nature walk and picnic areas within the park.

Your dog will love looking at the ducks roaming around the park!

5. Lake Ridge Park

View of the Occoquan River in Lake Ridge Park during the Fall seasonLake Ridge Park has a marina and hiking trails that are perfect for you and your four-legged companion. One of the great things about the marina is that you can bring your dog on canoes and Jon boats. Can you imagine how cute your dog will look with a little life jacket on?!

Your dog will love the feeling of adventure as you hike through the trails at Lake Ridge!

DOG PARKS

3 dogs playing at the dog park

1. K-9 Gunner Dog Park

Open daily from sunrise to sunset, K-9 Gunner Dog Park is a 46,000 sq. ft park with a mix of grass and dirt areas for your pups to play in. Dogs will love the toys available throughout the park and the separate areas available for small and large dogs.

2. Prince William County Dog Park

Open daily from sunrise to dusk, Prince William County Dog Park is located next to the Animal Shelter on Bristow Road.

DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS & BARS

Mill Street Snacks Dogs

1. Farm Brew Live (Manassas)

Aerial shot of Farm Brew Live Campus with social distancing of tables with black umbrellas spaced out.Bring your family and friends together to enjoy craft beer, craft food and live local music on the 8-acre Farm Brew LIVE campus in Manassas, Va. Dogs are allowed on the patio as long as they are leashed and picked up after.

2. Cock & Bowl (Occoquan)

Mussel bowl, french fries, and beer on outdoor table at Cock & BowlYou don’t have to brave the airlines to visit an authentic little European neighborhood bistro. Come down to the quaint riverfront town of Occoquan for a little boutique shopping and finish up with a visit to Cock & Bowl for a fine Belgian beer and a delicious meal. Serving up always-fresh, always-homemade European bistro specialties and a selection of 50+ Belgian beers! Dogs are permitted on the patio as long as they are leashed and well behaved.

3. Madigan’s Waterfront (Occoquan)

Madigan's Waterfront Restaurant exterior view with boats in the foregroundMadigan’s Waterfront is a locally owned and operated seafood and steak restaurant located on the Occoquan River in Historic Occoquan. You can hang out with your pup in the Tiki Bar as long as they’re leashed.

4. Hidden Julles Café (Haymarket)

empty patio with tables and chairs at Hidden Jules CafeHidden Julles Café is locally owned and operated. They proudly feature locally-sourced, organic breakfast and lunches. Located in Haymarket, Hidden Julles allows dogs on their patio as long as they are leashed.

5. Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant (Haymarket)

empty Outdoor Patio at Giuseppe's Ristorante in HaymarketGiuseppe’s Italian Restaurant is a casual eatery that serves up a variety of delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. Fido is welcome to join you at one of their many pet-friendly outdoor tables while you enjoy your meal.

6. Cupcake Heaven and Café (Haymarket)

the front counter of a bakery

Cupcake Heaven and Cafe serves up a variety of freshly baked cupcakes and pastries, along with a small assortment of soup, quiche, sandwiches, lattes, teas and smoothies. Your pup is welcome to join you at one of their eight pet-friendly outdoor tables while munch on a savory chicken salad sandwichs and sip your White Chocolate Mocha Latte.

7. The Winery at La Grange (Haymarket)

Adirondack chairs facing a vineyardNestled in the foothills of Bull Run Mountain, enjoy a glass of vino, some tasty nibbles, and a stunning view as you relax at one of The Winery at La Grange’s outside picnic tables with your pooch.

8. Swirlie’s Soft Serve (Haymarket)

Swirlie's Haymarket empty outdoor patioSwirlie’s has soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, banana splits, shakes, malts, and Hawaiian shaved ice. Dogs are welcome at their patio picnic tables.

9.The Bone (Gainesville)

The Bone BBQ platter with meats, beans, coleslaw, corn bread and collard greensThe Bone is a simple, no-frills barbecue joint located in Gainesville, VA. Choose from a variety of tasty menu options including pulled pork, smoked turkey, beef brisket, spicy sausage, hickory chicken, ribs, etc. Your dog is welcome to join you at one of their seven pet-friendly outdoor tables while you enjoy your BBQ meal.

10. Uncle Julio’s (Gainesville)

Stop into Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurant, it is the perfect place to grab delicious fajitas, margarita and fresh tableside guacamole. Dogs are allowed on the patio as long as they are leashed.

11. Foster’s Grille (Bristow)

Foster’s Grille welcomes dogs to dine with their owners at four outdoor tables; however, guests must order and pay inside at the counter where dogs are not permitted. Menu items include char-grilled burgers topped with cheese, grilled chicken sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, veggie burgers, turkey sandwiches, salads, chicken wings, and beer.

12. Brixx Wood Fire Pizza (Woodbridge)

Located in Woodbridge, Brixx is a dog-friendly restaurant that will greet your pup with a bowl of water. Your dog can relax on the patio while you enjoy some delicious pizza, pasta or sandwiches.

13. BurgerFi (Woodbridge)

BurgerFi is a delicious burger place you can enjoy with your dog, located in Woodbridge. They have nine outdoor tables where you and your dog can enjoy a selection of burgers, fries, onions rings and yummy shakes. Table service isn’t available, so you’ll need to tether your dog when you go inside to order

14. Eggspectation (Gainesville)

Eggspectation is a unique eatery that specializes in anything and everything EGG! Choose from menu options like steak & eggs, omelets, pancakes, french toast, and more. Your dog is welcome to join you at one of their eight pet-friendly outdoor tables.

DOG-FRIENDLY HOTELSPet Friendly

We know you and your dog will want to stay longer than just a few hours! This is why you will want to check out our dog-friendly hotels along both I-66 and I-95 corridors when you plan your visit to Prince William, Virginia!

(SOME PROPERTIES MAY BE SUBJECT TO PET FEES)