Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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Have you been searching for a way to merge your love for the great outdoors and quality time with your family?

Maybe you want to spend more time outside but you’re unsure of a family-friendly place to hike or escape the bustle of Northern Virginia. How do you feel about a fresh breeze off the water while viewing an eagle while you're in a kayak? Maybe you want to hit the gym for an upper body workout, but you’d much rather view wildlife. What about any combination of the great outdoors, family, exercise, fresh air, or wildlife? Well search no further, because Mason Neck State Park has the perfect solution.

Sunset at Mason Neck State Park, Virginia

For all of 2016, we are implementing our new Outdoor Fitness Challenge Program to promote healthy living all the while enjoying our park. Of course, participation is up to the visitor’s discretion and they can participate as much as they please.

But this fitness challenge is meant to be exactly what it sounds like: a challenge! There are predetermined challenges specific to our park that visitors can complete to earn points. Once you accrue certain amounts of points, you start to win prizes. Prizes can range from Mason Neck State Park stickers, to t-shirts, to annual passes. Those annual passes won’t come easy though – you have to really challenge yourself and earn the prizes! And visitors aren’t the only ones invited to participate…

Here is a highlight of some of the staff participating in the fitness challenge:

Patricia at Mason Neck State Park, Virginia

Name: Patricia

Team Role: Program Support Tech

What does participating in the challenge mean to you?

"I’m happy to have the opportunity to participate in one of the park’s programs! Truthfully, I enjoy getting away from my desk, getting out into the park to enjoy nature and meet other hikers. The challenges offer various activities to experience different areas of our park and focus on some outdoor exercise!"

Lauren at Mason Neck State Park, Virginia

Name: Lauren

Team Role: Park Naturalist

What does participating in the challenge mean to you?

"I love getting outside and exercising every chance I get outside of work. I’m always finding new places to hike and new trails to run, and if it’s particularly good weather I’ll pull out my hammock too. So by combining outdoors and fitness with my gorgeous work place… how could I NOT participate? This is like a dream come true!

And finally, the team member always behind the camera but never seems to be in any other pictures. 

Kari at Mason Neck State Park, Virginia

Name: Kari

Team Role: Visitor Center Receptionist

What does participating in the challenge mean to you?

"I want to participate because I love the outdoors! The fitness challenge gives me the extra motivation to get outside and enjoy nature." 

As with any new year, we all have made our own resolutions and (hopefully) plan to keep them. If your resolutions feature any of these keys words:

  • Exercising
  • Fitness
  • Exploring
  • Outdoors
  • More nature in your life
  • Healthier lifestyle
  • Relaxing
  • Paddling
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Fresh air
  • Challenge
  • More family time

...then Mason Neck State Park has the right challenge for you. More information is available in our office as well as on the website here.

What are you waiting for?

Join us on our quest to lead healthier lives and simultaneously enjoy nature. We would love to tell you more about the challenge, our goals, and the most beautiful spots in the park to see wildlife. You might even see us on a trail or out on the water when it gets warmer. We’re open 8:00 a.m. until dusk daily.

Mason Neck State Park is located near Lorton Virginia, only about 20 miles from Washington D.C. Click here for a google map. For more information on park amenities, please call the office at (703) 339-2385 or e-mail here.

We hope to see you outdoors!

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

COMMENTS

Virginia State Parks (January 14, 2016 10:55:25 PM): Great park for both of those activities!

Carl Simmons (January 14, 2016 10:02:47 PM): Hiking & Biking

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