Mason Neck State Park

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: State Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., this Northern Virginia park offers many outdoor activities and programs. It has hiking trails, 3 miles of paved multi-use trails, a large picnic area, a playground, a car-top canoe launch and a visitor center. Canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals are also available. Bird watching, especially for American bald eagles, and guided canoe trips of Kane's Creek and Belmont Bay are favorites with park visitors. The park's wetlands, forest, open water, ponds and open fields make it ideal for environmental study and wildlife observation. Nearby attractions include the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge, Gunston Hall and Pohick Bay Regional Park.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: The park is in southern Fairfax County, about 20 miles from Washington, D.C. Access to the park is via U.S. 1, then five miles east on Route 242 (Gunston Road) to the park entrance.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, half an hour (park is in Northern Virginia); Washington, D.C., 45 minutes; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours; Richmond, one and a half hours; Roanoke, four hours.

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Trails, Birdwatching, Fishing

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Playground, Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, Picnic Tables, Grills, ADA Accessible

Playground Size: Medium

Playground Shade: Some

Playground Surface Type: Mulch

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Nature Center, Gift Shop, Picnic Shelter, Rental Equipment

Trash Cans: Yes

Food for Sale Type: Gift Shop

TRAILS:

Trail Description: Hiking, biking and self-guided trails. More than six miles of unpaved hiking trails and three miles of paved multi-use trails wind through the park providing a glimpse of nature by the bay. Elevated walkways allow visitors to explore some of the marsh areas in the park. Bikes can be rented at the visitor center.

Trail Surface: Unpaved

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Dog Walking, Birdwatching

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: 5 to 10 miles

Trail Shade: Some

Trail Width: 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Kiosk with trail maps, Playground, Panoramic Views

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present, Ranger Patrol

Open Space Activities: Go for a walk or jog, Have a picnic

Open Space Size: Larger than one football field in size

Open Space Shade: Some

Natural Water Feature: Pond/Lake, Creek/Stream, Wetlands