Name: Chopawamsic Trail
Rating: 3.7

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The Chopawamsic Parking Lot is now off VA Rt 619 Joplin Road. It is gated. Get the key from the Prince William Forest Park Visitor Center that is also off the entrance road that is off VA Rt 619 Joplin Road. There is a wide access trail that runs from the parking lot to the trail. The junction is signed. It is now over 3 miles and if you go up to all the campsites can be a hike of approximately 4.1 miles. There is a restroom in the parking lot. The old parking lot off Breckinridge Rd is closed.

Description

The Chopawamsic Backcountry area of Prince William National Forest is a great way to test out your skills or that new piece of gear. With 8 designated campsites along this trail, you don't have to worry about being crowded.

Camping here requires a permit so make sure you plan ahead if you're planning to visit. Access is off of Joplin Rd but the gate is usually locked.

The trail itself is wide and easy to follow. That could change in late fall/winter between all of the leaves and snow, but it's well maintained by PATC.

The terrain is pretty flat but watch for those ankle-twisting roots. This area has a lot of them.

The northernmost corner has an intersection with a future section of the trail. It is marked with two large wood signs, so it is very clear which way to go.