Tundra Swanfall at The Great Marsh (Rating: C)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

About 8 miles with 150 foot elevation gain.

Let's greet the migrating Tundra Swans at the Great Marsh in Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Refuge as we also enjoy a bit of Pohick Bay Regional Park.

The Tundra Swans are back in town! These magnificent birds are spending the winter in the Great Marsh of Belmont Bay and will leave in mid-March for their breeding grounds in the tundra of far northern Canada near the Arctic Ocean.

“Swanfall” is the term used to describe the annual return of swans to their winter home here at Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Management Area.

The Tundra Swans are wintering in the Great Marsh, one of the largest freshwater marshes in Virginia.

Description:
We'll begin our hike in Pohick Bay Regional Park and make our way to Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Management Area and the Woodmarsh Trail to the bird viewing stand to see the Tundra Swans. We will retrace our hike back to Pohick Bay Park and the parking lot. There will be a great view of the bay area as well as a lake and marshes.

The pace will be about 2.5 mph.

There are restrooms at the Eagles Nest Veranda where we begin our hike.

Bring
Adequate water/hydration also snacks/lunch. The route is mostly level on a mix of hard and dirt surface. Some sections may get muddy after heavy rains. A good portion of the hike is on the multi-purpose paved bike trail and High Point Trail. The Woodmarsh trail is natural surface. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes. I recommend good hiking shoes as parts of some of the trails are covered by fallen leaves and tree roots.

Fee: No Fee

Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Management Area:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/elizabeth-hartwell-mason-neck

Pohick Bay Regional Park:
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/pohick-bay-regional-park

Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9:30am.

Meeting Place Instructions:
From Interstate 95 North:

• Take exit 161 to Lorton, Rt. 1 N.
• Go about 1.8 miles to first stop light and turn right on to Gunston Rd.
• Go about 3.2 miles on Gunston Rd to park entrance on left.
• Drive straight into the park all the way down to the marina area.

From Interstate 95 South:

• From I95 S, exit 163 to Lorton.
• Left onto Lorton Rd at the end of exit ramp.
• Go under second overpass and turn right onto Lorton Market St. (You will see Shoppers Food Warehouse)
• Go about 1.1 mile to traffic light at RT. 1.
• Go straight through light (road name changes to Gunston Rd) and go about 3.2 miles to park entrance on left.
• Drive straight into the park all the way down to the marina area.

Make sure to go past the Pohick Bay Golf Course and Meadowood Stables on Gunston Rd. Turn left on Pohick Bay Drive, at the park entrance. After entering the park, go straight down the road to the marina area. When you get to the Eagle’s Nest, there is a parking lot just around the loop. Park there and we will meet at 9:15am so we can get everyone checked in. There are restrooms at the Eagles Nest Veranda. GPS: 38.67467, -77.16711

Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.