Fort Necessity
HistoryVisitor centers
Along the way Fort Store House Visitor Center
Hike the Fort Necessity Trails the Park Service's write-up
15-180 Minutes · dogs allowed · season Hiking is allowed in all seasons. Some areas of the trails remain wet for a significant period following rain. In the winter months, there may be a significant snow on the trails. The paved trail to from the Visitor Center to Fort and Great Meadows is the only trail that is cleared. Be prepared with proper clothing and footwear. The Jumonville Glen is closed from November through April.
Start Trails begin from Fort Necessity, the Picnic Area, and Jumonville Glen
The Fort Necessity trail system winds through mixed deciduous forest and meadows. When Washington and his men passed through this area, they found the forest in a virgin state. The trees were large and well spaced with the absence of undergrowth due to the shade of the trees.
The forest has been cleared several times to produce charcoal for iron furnaces and for farming. In places, the trails passes stands of pines. These were planted by the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the mid 1930's. As you explore the park, imagine it as seen through the perspective of a youthful commander on his first military campaign on the edge of the wilderness.
A portion of the trail follows the Braddock Road Trace. This is the remnant of the road built by Washington in 1754 and improved by General Braddock's army on their way to Fort Duquesne the next year. This road became one of the major routes of transportation from the east before the completion of the National Road to Wheeling, Virginia in 1818.
Accessibility The trail from the Visitor Center to Fort Necessity is wheelchair accessible. It is paved and fairly level. It is a 300 yard walk from the Visitor Center to the fort. The other trails in the park are not paved. They can be rough, un-even, and/or soggy at any time of the year. Jumonville Glen and Braddock's Grave have sections that are accessible, but not everything. Pets are welcome on all trails, as long as they are on leash at all times. Please make sure to clean up after them, and prevent them from interacting with wildlife. Pets are not allowed in the buildings.