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Visit

Directions and Guidelines

Leopold's Preserve features seven miles of trails which are open to the public every day from dawn until dusk. Our public parking area is conveniently located off of Route 55 (John Marshall Highway).

Getting to the Preserve

For GPS Location Use:

16290 Thoroughfare Road
Broad Run, Virginia 20137

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Directions: Traveling west on John Marshall Highway (Rt. 55) turn left onto Thoroughfare Road (SR 682). Continue a short distance and the paved road turns to gravel. Cross the railroad tracks and in just a few hundred yards you will see the parking areas located to the left (Parking Lot East) and right (Parking Lot West).

 

Please Note: entrances located within the Villages of Piedmont community are not for public access! 

Facilities

Wheelchair Icon
Our observation deck is wheelchair accessible from Parking Lost West.
We have one portable toilet located in Parking Lot East. We do not have running water on site. Please plan accordingly.
There are no trash receptacles in the Preserve. Please follow Leave No Trace ethics: pack in, pack out.

Prohibited Activities

Access is by foot only. Bicycles, dirt bikes, motor vehicles, and horses are not allowed on the trails.
Fishing Icon
The Preserve is a conservation area. Hunting, fishing, boating, and camping are not allowed.
Collection or disturbing of plants, animals, or artifacts is not allowed. Take photos of your observations instead.

Tips for a Successful Visit

Plan Ahead
Check the weather, watch for hazards, and follow all the rules of the Preserve. Look over our trail map and print or download a copy to bring with you. Remember proper clothing and shoes, sunscreen, hats, first aid supplies, and plenty of drinking water.


Stick To Trails
Stay on the trail system. Short-cutting trails causes the soil to wear away or to be packed, which eventually kills trees and other vegetation. Trampled wildflowers and vegetation take years to recover. Contact us to report any trail issues, such as fallen trees or other hazards. Please be specific about the problem's location by referencing the trail name and nearest interpretive sign.


Leave What You Find
When visiting any outdoor area, try to leave it the same as you find it. The less impact we each make, the longer we will enjoy what we have. Even picking flowers denies others the opportunity to see them and reduces seeds, which means fewer plants next year. Graffiti and vandalism have no place anywhere, and they spoil the experience for others. We encourage nature journaling and photography to remember unique observations and special moments.

Respect Other Visitors
Expect to meet other visitors. Be courteous and make room for others on the trails. Control your speed when running or jogging. Pass with care and let others know before you pass. Don’t disturb other visitors by making noise or playing loud music. Respect “Private Property - Residents Only” signs. If property boundaries are unclear, do not enter the area.


Trash Your Trash
There are no trash receptacles in the Preserve. Make sure all trash is put in a bag and carried out with you. Trash is unsightly and ruins the outdoor experience for others. Your trash can kill wildlife. Even organic materials such as orange peels, apple cores, and food scraps take years to break down and may attract unwanted pests.

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Group Events

We welcome naturalist events in the preserve. Birding clubs, art classes, wildflower groups, student field trips, etc. are welcome! Please contact us so we know to expect you and follow up afterwards with pictures, counts, and number of participants.

General Guidelines

By adhering to the following guidelines, you ensure your safety and the safety of others while preserving the natural features and characteristics of the land.

 

  • Access is by foot only from dawn until dusk. For your safety, cars parked after dark are reported to the Prince William County Police.

  • All visitors must keep to the trails. The “Private Property” boundaries are clearly marked. Please respect our neighbors in the Villages of Piedmont and other private residences, and do not trespass on their property. Park and hike in designated areas only. Villages of Piedmont is NOT part of the nature preserve.

  • Pets must be leashed at all times and droppings removed.

  • Biking is prohibited, except on paved Residents Only access paths - not for public use.

  • Motorized vehicles, ATVs, horses, camping, fires, hunting, and fishing are prohibited in the Preserve.

  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

  • Glass containers are prohibited.

  • Open possession or use of firearms, air guns, fireworks, or explosives is prohibited.

  • Collection of or disturbing of plants, animals, and artifacts is prohibited. If you are interested in conducting scientific or historic research at the Preserve, please contact us.

  • Help preserve nature - please don't litter. This includes cigarette butts and organic material. There are no trash receptacles located in the Preserve, so plan ahead by bringing a small bag or container for your trash.

In Case of Emergency

If you encounter any suspicious activity or abusive behavior in Leopold’s Preserve, please contact the Prince William County Western District Station at 703-792-5111.

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DIAL 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

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