We took advantage of pleasant weather and peak fall foliage today to check out
Prince William Forest Park south of Washington, DC. The park was a nice place to walk in the woods, though you never quite escape the hum of I-95, and you can occasionally hear the "pupupupupup" of gunfire coming from the US Marine Corps Reservation at Quantico, which borders the park (
see map in .pdf). More of a concern for me was the horde of screaming schoolchildren enjoying their lunch in the picnic area.
We went on a short hike on the Laurel Loop Trail.
Quantico Creek
I took this picture of Alison over my shoulder while we were hiking. She was quiet and seemed to be enjoying the hike, but I was surprised by the look of wonderment captured in the photo.
They say the park is a Piedmont Forest. I didn't know that was a special eco-tone. The stone that looks like this among trees like these is a dead giveaway you're in Appalachian country.
Prince William Forest Park has history similar to other eastern parks. Farms. Mines. CCC. But this park has a unique history in that the
Office of Strategic Services (OSS) used it for a time.
We finished up with a lap around the scenic drive.
The park would be a great place for bicycling, hiking, or camping.
