- This event has passed.
Join us for a 7 mile hike through the largest protected natural area in the DMV, Prince William Forest Park. Encompassing over 18,500 acres and rich in history, this land was once home to an enclave of formerly enslaved people which was gradually converted from the late 1930’s to national parkland.
We’ll meet in front of the Visitors Center and take the Pyrite Mine Loop Trail beyond the picnic area to the right. From there we’ll pick up a loop trail that winds through one of the country’s best examples of Eastern Piedmont forest. If we’re lucky we’ll see evidence of the park’s wildlife, including beavers, deer, and squirrels.
This hike is rated as difficult largely due to its length and terrain. Prepare to encounter uneven and possibly muddy woodland trails, with 600 feet of elevation gain, by wearing sturdy hiking shoes and appropriate clothing.
Park map: [https://www.nps.gov/prwi/planyourvisit/maps.htm](https://www.nps.gov/prwi/planyourvisit/maps.htm)
Transportation: Park at the Pine Grove Picnic Area. We’ll meet in front of the adjacent Visitors Center. Note that there is a $20 fee to enter the park, which is waived for U.S. National Park Service annual or lifetime pass holders. If you can offer a ride, please post in the comments section with metro station or other accessible location for pick up. Carpooling is a great way to meet people and help the environment!
Dog friendly: Yes. Please keep your dog leashed at all times.
Restrooms: Yes, located outside of the visitors’ center.
Food/Water: Bring your own vegan snacks and (non-alcoholic) beverage to enjoy mid hike. Please carry plenty of water!
Weather: Be prepared! We will hike rain or shine, but if conditions pose a danger, we’ll cancel the hike and post a notice in the “comments” section. We suggest that hikers wear comfortable footwear and suitable clothing made from quick-dry, synthetic fabrics, as cotton can lead to uncomfortable blisters and life-threatening hypothermia in case of inclement weather.
*For important updates regularly monitor the “comments” section below.*
*Don’t be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.*
*Please read The 10 Essentials of Hiking: [https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/](https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/) *
**Rules**
* Pets: When hikes are organized in dog-friendly areas, hikers are invited to bring their pet(s). However, dogs are the sole responsibility of the owner(s) who brought them; should be up-to-date on their vaccinations & in possession of the relevant tags; and should be under the control of their owner(s) at all times. Dogs that demonstrate consistently aggressive or otherwise out-of-control behavior will be banned from future hikes. Owners should come prepared to dispose of their dogs’ waste in appropriate receptacles.
* Alcohol/Smoking/Intoxicants: Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during the hikes.
**VSDC: More Than A Meetup**
We are so glad to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we enjoy seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits?
With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle.
The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Become a member of VSDC](https://vsdc.org/membership/).
**Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct**
When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC’s Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies – VSDC – Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/).
**VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**