Farms to Forest Complete Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildlife

The Farms to Forest hike is a short and easy loop that starts near Oak Ridge Campground. The trail is marked by yellow and green blazes and runs through an area where old farmland has reverted back to mature forest.

Starting at the Farms to Forest Trail Parking Area, follow the green and yellow blazes into the woods for a short while before reaching the first intersection. At the intersection, turn right and continue through the forest, keeping your eyes peeled for verdant ground cedar (Lycopodium complanatum) strewn throughout the forest floor.

After about 20 minutes of hiking, start to look for a trail junction with the Farms to Forest Extension Trail. Jump on the extension trail for a longer loop through the area to nearby Quantico Creek.

Some stretches of the forest along the trail are fairly open making it easier to imagine the farms that were once established in this area.

After passing the second intersection with the Extension Trail, it will take about 15 minutes to get back to Oak Ridge Campground. Along the way, you'll come upon a small creek that meanders through the woods. The Quantico Creek watershed is considered a benchmark watershed for water quality in the area.