Just Outside DC
Pohick Park and Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge and State Park in Virginia
|
Wooded picnic areas, fishing,
wildlife including bald eagles and restful water scenery await you.
|
|
|
For beauty and peaceful moments, head south along Route 1, go
past Fort Belvoir to the traffic light at Gunston Road. Make a left (towards Potomac River area)
( ).
There are two parks along Gunston Road, first is the Mason Neck State Park and Wildlife Refuge and the
other one is the Pohick Bay Regional Park.
Together over 1,000 acres, these two parks are
located in Lorton, Virginia on the Mason Neck Pennisula.
Pohick Park is on the north side of the Mason Neck Pennisula and
Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge is on the southern edge of the Pennisula.
|
Pohich Bay Regional Park
Off of Gunston Road, the road traverses a steep hill which leads down to the
vehicle and boat trailer parking lot of Pohick Park. Pohick Park has a public
boat launch facility to the Potomac River and this park also offers canoes,
kayaks, paddle boats and jon boats for rent on the weekends. We have visited
three times, just to relax on the wooded shoreline and enjoy the view and the
sounds of the waves washing softly onto the gravel beach.
|
|
|
|
|
Mason Neck Wildlife Refuge and State Park
|
Mason Neck, also off of Gunston Road, is an ecologically fragile land that shelters a profusion of wildlife, especially the bald eagle.
The developed recreation areas are concentrated where they will least disturb the delicate balance of nature.
The spring day we visited Mason Neck, the lovely mingled scents of honeysuckle
and roses emanated from the wooded area of a nearby pathway as we stood at the shoreline.
|
|
|
|
|
In addition to water activities, these parks also offer family and group camping, hiking, picnic areas and a
large "treehouse" play area for children.
|
|
|
| Getting hungry?
Interested in other places to visit?
Click here to view a detailed map showing fast food eateries, pharmacy,
hospital, grocery stores, shopping malls, picnic areas and closeby places to visit.
|
|
|
|
|