You are here

Prince William Forest Park Ready To Reopen

Share

Published Date

March 24, 2018

After three weeks of tree removal and cleanup after a powerful winter wind storm, Prince William Forest Park in Virginia was set to reopen Saturday/NPS

Beaten down a bit by a potent winter storm earlier this month, Prince William Forest Park in Virginia was scheduled to reopen at noon on Saturday.

The majority of the park was to reopen at noon. Crews cleared more than 1,500 fallen and hazardous trees from approximately 21 miles of road and 37 miles of trail following the March 2-3 windstorms.  

“We are very pleased to welcome the public back to their national park,” said Prince William Forest Park Superintendent Tanya Gossett. “It’s been an intense three weeks for National Park Service crews and contractors, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we cleared hazard trees and restored electrical lines throughout the park.”  

The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scenic Drive and most park trails were expected to reopen at noon Saturday. The Turkey Run and Oak Ridge campgrounds and the Chopawamsic Backcountry Area will scheduled to resume normal operations on Monday, March 26.  Cabin camp areas are open to permit holders only.

Prince William Forest Park is managed as a natural area and there are always risks involved in outdoor recreation. Visitors should exercise caution while recreating and remain aware of their surroundings. Visitors are highly encouraged to stop in the visitor center to discuss hiking plans with a park ranger.

Damage caused by the windstorms in Prince William Forest Park was significantly greater than other recent storms, including Hurricanes Isabel and Sandy and the 2012 derecho. The park was closed on March 6 due to public safety concerns.

Fifteen national parks shared crews and equipment with Prince William Forest Park to assist with clean-up efforts. Under an agreement with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, several trained volunteer sawyers also helped with fallen tree removal.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.