Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Let's go for a morning hike at the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge and see if any critters are stirring.

Sorry about the attendee limit, but groups of 10 or more require a $20 special use permit requested 3 weeks in advance, so I cannot officially invite more than 9 attendees. See https://tinyurl.com/4u79nbz8

❶ What we'll do: This is a two-part hike, the first part starting from the Great Marsh (Gartland) Trailhead, and the second part starting from the Woodmarsh Trailhead. We'll do Great Marsh Trail first since it is shorter and offers the best opportunity to see wildlife, first thing in the morning. Afterwards, we'll drive to the Woodmarsh Trailhead for the second part.

• Great Marsh Trail: From the trailhead at 11656 Gunston Rd, we'll walk west to the observation platform and return. The hike is out-and-back, 1.5 miles of smiles, and should take about 30-40 minutes, depending on how long we linger at the turn around point. The surface is paved woodlands and flat throughout.
• Woodmarsh Trail: From the trailhead at 6496 High Point Rd, we’ll walk south to a T junction, turn left, and continue to the Eagle Point viewing platform. From there we’ll continue along the trail, bearing left at each trail junction, until we reach the break area adjacent to Sycamore Rd. After a break, if needed, we'll continue, bearing left at each trail junction, to the T junction for Eagle Point, where we'll turn left and retrace our steps to the trailhead. The hike is a loop, about 2.75 miles, and should take about an hour and a half. The surface is dirt paths through cleared woods, with gentle changes in elevation.
• The total hike is around 4.25 miles and should take a little over 2 hours, given some time spent at the observation platforms and the time needed to drive from Great Marsh to Woodmarsh trailheads.
• Google map: http://tinyurl.com/pgo8b67

❷ How to get to the Great Marsh Trailhead: From I-95 S, take exit 163 for VA-642 toward Lorton. At the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto VA-642/Lorton Rd and follow it for 0.4 miles, going under two overpasses (I-95 and railroad tracks). Take the second right at Lorton Market St and follow it for a mile, continuing as it becomes Gunston Cove Rd. Gunston Cove Rd becomes VA-600/Gunston Rd at the intersection with US-1/Richmond Hwy; continue to follow it for another 4.5 miles to the intersection with High Point Rd. You will see a sign for Mason Neck, but do not turn onto High Point Rd! Continue on Gunston Rd for 1.5 miles and the Great Marsh Trailhead will be on your right at GPS. See https://goo.gl/maps/vRnyPa8kbAr . Here's a photo: https://tinyurl.com/ycna9l6q

❸ How to get to the Woodmarsh Trailhead: From the Great Marsh Trailhead, exit left onto VA-600/Gunston Rd and drive northwest 1.5 miles to High Point Rd. Turn sharp left onto High Point Rd and follow it for 1.7 miles. Woodmarsh Trailhead will be on your left at GPS 38.648309, -77.165153. Here's a photo: https://tinyurl.com/ydxlubs4

❹ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes and your furry friend if desired (leashes no longer than 6 feet). Sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.

❺ Weather: The forecast is mostly sunny and a high of 77F (about 62F as we start), with light N winds. No rain in the forecast. Updates: https://tinyurl.com/yc5rx888

❻ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

❼ Administrative stuff: There are dry restrooms (no running water) at both the Great Marsh and Woodmarsh trailheads, plus one about halfway through the Woodmarsh loop at Sycamore Rd.

❽ Notes:

• Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, High Point, Lorton, VA 22079: https://tinyurl.com/6eejz77u
• Visitor information: https://tinyurl.com/y8bve2tt