Mason Neck State Park! A Moderate 5 or 8 miles
Details
Mason Neck State Park! A Moderate 5 Miles with optional 3 miles at Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Refuge, part of Mason Neck.
Mason Neck State Park is a gem among Virginia’s fine state parks. It is situated on a peninsula formed by Pohick Bay on the north, Belmont Bay on the south and the Potomac River on the east. The park attracts over 200 species of migrating and non-migrating birds, including whistling 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. The land for the park was purchased over the years from private owners and the Nature Conservancy. The park connects with a National Wildlife Refuge that includes over 2,000 acres. The park opened to the public in 1985.
The nearby Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Refuge has the largest freshwater marsh in Northern Virginia, the largest Great Blue heron rookery in the Mid-Atlantic region (over 1400 nests), and hosts over 200 species of birds, 31 species of mammals, and 44 species of reptiles and amphibians. Eagles use the mature forests for shelter and nesting sites and the marshes, bays, and river for foraging and hunting. The refuge was listed as one of the top ten sites in the country for viewing Bald eagles. The refuge also serves as the winter home of migratory Tundra swans.
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Lorton, VA
Length: 5 or 8 miles
Time: 2.5 for 5 miles, 3.5 for 8 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate
Park Entry Fee
There is a $10 park entrance fee.
Gear Suggestions
Click Here for suggestions regarding what to wear and what not to wear for hiking the trails.
Weather Information
We hike rain, snow, or shine. Click Here to view the forecast for the area where we will be hiking.
Hike Pace
The goal for this hike is to maintain an average moving pace of ~ 2.0 mph. This speed is frequently used in popular hiking publications to represent the pace of an average hiker.
Our RSVP and Group Etiquette
Click Here to review our RSVP policies and group etiquette.
Directions to the Trailhead
Mason Neck State Park Visitors' Center
7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA
38.644278, -77.198639
For the optional 3 Miles:
Woodmarsh Trail Parking Area
38.648541, -77.165385
Meet & Greet and Sign-In — 8:45-8:55 a.m.
The Hike is at 9:00 a.m. SHARP
Please remember we are a volunteer-supported organization that values:
Our hikes are led by generous, dedicated, and qualified MAHG members who volunteer as leaders for Mid-Atlantic Hiking Groups volunteer leadership team. Click Here to become a part of the team!
Hikes also have a volunteer “sweeper” to help ensure that no hiker is left behind. MAHG volunteers and members are very supportive, and encouraging, with a focus on safety while enjoying excellent camaraderie and benefiting from the many health benefits of hiking and unplugging from the stress of day-to-day life. Sharing what we know and learning from each other is an important part of MAHGs core values, as is our dedication to the conservation of our natural resources and our commitment to the organization's mission.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a volunteer supported tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and donations ARE tax-deductible.
Tax ID: 47-5141831
Fido Must be Pre-Approved BEFORE Attending This Hike. Our hike's route is much tougher on paws than most trails. Contact the leader to discuss the route and your dog's experience to determine if this is a good hike for your dog at this time.
Let’s have fun out on the trails and see you there!
Greg: 571.484.7499
Christa: 410.610.6254
• Donations to Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group are Tax Deductible.
Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charitable organization.
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Sponsors
Mason Neck State Park! A Moderate 5 or 8 miles