Outdoor Activities

A day-hiker enjoys the view overlooking Fort Necessity as he walks on the park trails.

A visit to Fort Necessity includes a walk to the reconstructed fort in the Great Meadow. The fort is about 300 yards from the visitor center. Talks, tours, and historic weapons demonstrations are offered in the meadow near Fort Necessity during the summer months.

Five miles of hiking trails lead through forest and meadows around Fort Necessity. Cross-country skiing is available in winter. The trails are not groomed. Trails lead through forest and meadows around Fort Necessity. There is also a loop trail at Jumonville Glen and a short walking path at Braddock's Grave. There are no trails from the fort to either Braddock's grave or Jumonville Glen.

At the Braddock Grave Unit, outdoor exhibits explain the ill-fated Braddock Campaign of 1755. A trace of the Braddock Road is clearly visible at this site. A monument marks the final resting place of British General Edward Braddock. Open in the winter months weather permitting.

Jumonville Glen, approximately eight miles from Fort Necessity, is the site of Washington's first encounter with the French. A half-mile loop trail leads from the parking lot to the glen. A natural rock outcropping marks the site of the skirmish. Interpretive signs help visitors understand the event. Jumonville Glen is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the summer months only. Closed November 1st through April 30th.