Bald Eagle Spotting in Mason Neck State Park! An Easy Hike of 5-7 Miles
- March 24 · 10:00 AM
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Mason Neck State Park!
Join Us for an Easy Bald Eagle Spotting Hike of 5 or 7 Miles (5 Easy/Newbie Friendly Miles with Additional 2 Mile Option for Those Wanting an Easy Side of Moderate Hike)
Drive Time From Various Places: Baltimore, 60 minutes, 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.
Mason Neck State Park is on a peninsula formed by Pohick Bay on the north, Belmont Bay on the south and the Potomac River on the east. The peninsula is an active heron rookery. The park also attracts several other migrating and non-migrating species of birds, including tundra swans and assorted species of duck. Bald eagles also inhabit the area. The park boasts several hundred acres of hardwood forests consisting of oaks, holly, hickory and other species of trees. In addition, several wetland areas are also found in Mason Neck.
Land was purchased over the years from the Nature Conservancy. The park connects with a National Wildlife Refuge, which is more than 2,000 acres. The park opened to the public in 1985.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Springfield
Length: 5 Miles with an Additional 2 Mile Option for up to a 7 Mile Hike
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Very easy 5 miles or easy side of moderate 7 total miles.
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Season: Year-round
Local Maps: USGS Fort Belvoir, Indian Head
Topo Map: Mason Neck State Park Topographic
Map Guide Book: Best Hikes Near Washington, D.C.
Weather Information
We hike rain or shine! Click here for up to the minute weather information for the trailhead.
Gear Information
Here are some suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.
Carpool Information
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan, people can arrange to meet at Savage Station. You should post that on the Comments section. Click here for directions to Savage Station.
If you can drive or want to carpool from a different location, please post your location in the comment section below. Click here for suggested carpool locations complete with directions. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click here for directions to the trailhead and where we meet.
Hike Time is 10:00 a.m.
Carpool Time from Savage is 8:30 a.m.
Park Fee:
$3 per car on weekdays and $4 per car on weekends
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
Please take the hike leaders number with you and enjoy the hike!
Fido is Welcome on this Hike!
Mike: [masked]
Your organizer's refund policy for Bald Eagle Spotting in Mason Neck State Park! An Easy Hike of 5-7 Miles
Refunds offered if:
- the Meetup is cancelled
- the Meetup is rescheduled
- you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup
Additional notes: Refund if you change your RSVP from a YES to a No PRIOR to 48 hours before the hike time.
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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