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Let's go see if any critters are stirring at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge!

NB: Refuge policy limits groups to no more than 9 people! Please do not sign up if you don't plan to attend, and please cancel promptly if your plans change, so someone else can take your place.

❶ What we'll do:

  • From the parking area we'll hike east along Locust and Charlie roads to the shoreline at Taylor's Point, then turn south and follow Deephole Road to Deephole Point. After a short walk northwest and back to check for critters, we'll continue west to Painted Turtle Pond, with a brief stop at the observation point. From Painted Turtle Pond we'll take Lake Drive north to Dawson Beach Road, turn right, and follow it back to our start point at the parking area.
  • The hike is a modified loop of just over 3.5 miles and should take 1.5 to 2 hours, given time for spotting critters and taking photos. The path is level and dirt or gravel surface except a brief paved stretch near the parking lot.
  • Google map: http://tinyurl.com/glla6wt

❷ How to get there: The street address is 13950 Dawson Beach Road, Woodbridge, VA 22191. From Gunston Plaza (9398 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079), drive southwest 2.2 miles toward Armistead Rd. Keep right at the I-95 interchange, follow signs for US-1 S, and continue another 1.8 miles. Turn left onto Dawson Beach Rd. Continue another 0.7 miles along Dawson Beach Rd to the parking area.

❸ What to bring: Water and comfy shoes. The layered look is recommended. A camera and/or binos are handy accessories. Sorry, pets are prohibited in the wildlife refuge, so your furry friend must stay behind.

❹ Cost: None! An entrance fee or pass is not required to enter Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

❺ Weather: The forecast is cloudy and a high of 43F, with light south winds and a 7-10% chance of showers. Updates: https://tinyurl.com/2jskp7v7

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 restrooms at the parking area and at a couple of places along our route; bring your own hand sanitizer. There is no running water.

❽ Notes:

Events in Woodbridge, VA
Hiking
Outdoors
Walking

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