Tucked away on a peninsula in Lorton, Virginia, Mason Neck State Park provides access to Belmont Bay and Kanes Creek and is the perfect location to connect with nature. Some people refer to this park as a “hidden gem” because it provides a soothing combination of beauty and quietness in a very populated area. The park is easily accessible off Route 1 and provides many activities in a scenic oasis for everyone to enjoy. Once you realize that Northern Virginia has this quiet space, it’s an easy decision to make this park your go-to spot for fun and/or relaxation.

Mason Neck has hiking trails, 3 miles of paved multi-use trails, a large picnic area and a playground. The park also contains a car-top canoe, kayak and paddleboard launch and a visitor center. The park offers programs and activities during the year including its flagship event, the annual Eagle Festival that takes place the second Saturday in May. No matter when you visit, there is something fun for everyone to experience on their visit.

1. Birdwatching

The park's wetlands, forest, fields, open water and ponds make it ideal for conservation education and wildlife observation. Wintertime and early spring are perfect times for visiting the park because you can see the Tundra Swans along the Potomac River.

Anytime if a good time to visit Mason Neck because you can see geese, osprey, ducks and other waterfowl throughout the year enjoying the park. Eagles can be spotted year-round as this location provides the perfect habitat for these majestic birds. Adjacent to the park is the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge that was established in 1969 and became the first national wildlife refuge dedicated to protecting bald eagles.

The Mason Neck peninsula is home to one of the largest Great Blue Heron rookeries in Virginia. With around 1,200 breeding residents, the Great Blue Heron is a staple wading bird at the park.

When you visit the park in the winter and early spring, be sure to bring your camera and/or binoculars to take advantage of the unique views of hawks, eagles and a variety of birds that call the park home and birds that stop by along their travels during migration.

You can always birdwatch at the park and no matter when you visit, you are sure to see something amazing. The park offers a variety of programs during the year that highlight the birds that can be found during that time frame at the park. Be sure to check the park event page for upcoming programs. 

Save the date for the 27th Annual Eagle Festival: May 10, 2025

2. Hike the trails

The park trails are another great way to bird watch while traversing the park and connecting with nature. You can view the park trail guide here (PDF).

The Osprey View Trail, formally known as the Beach Trail, is perfect for birdwatching and provides three overlooks that allow you to catch rare glimpses of the park wildlife.

Marsh View Trail is a .25 mile out and back trail made up of crushed gravel that also provides a spectacular view of wildlife. There are several points of interest along the way that highlight the flora and fauna found at the park.

Dogue Trail is an .8-mile loop consisting of packed stone dust that offers benches for resting along the way. This trail is good for birdwatching and the trees and plants found in these woods provide a beautiful show as the leaves change color in the fall and bloom in the spring.

Bay View Trail is an easy 1.02-mile loop with interpretive signs that tell the story about the impact of a clean watershed on the Chesapeake Bay. The trail takes you through the forest and marshes with several boardwalks to cross along the way. This trail is great for birdwatching and it provides access to the Wilson Spring Trail.

Wilson Spring Trail is an easy 1.79-mile trail that connects Kane’s Creek Trail to the Bay View Trail as you pass through the woods.

The trails mentioned above are considered easy hikes and for those seeking a moderate level hiking experience, you will enjoy the Meadow View Trail and the Eagle Spur Trail. Both trails are a little over one mile, provide scenic overlooks and are perfect for birdwatching.

More information on trail accessibility in the park and throughout the country is available from Birdability, a non-profit organization that works to ensure the birding community that the outdoors are welcoming, inclusive, safe and accessible for everybody. Birdability has partnered with the National Audubon Society to create a crowd-sourced map that describes the accessibility features of birding locations throughout the United States. The trail map was created with birdwatching in mind, but the information shown on the map is useful to anyone who has an interest in the accessibility of trails.  

Speaking of accessibility, an All-Terrain Wheelchair is available at Mason Neck State Park for both children and adults with limited mobility. The chair is free to use but must be reserved at least 48 hours in advance. Please visit the All-Terrain Wheelchair page for more details.

3. Water adventures

You can explore Kane’s Creek or Belmont Bay whether you bring your own kayak or canoe or if you rent equipment from the Visitor Center. These scenic water trips are a great way to explore the park while providing a unique view of eagles, osprey and many other birds. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are available seasonally, except when bad weather prevents safe use.

If you want to catch some fish, then you will enjoy the fresh and brackish water fishing available in Belmont Bay. Renting a kayak or canoe or even wading in the water along the shoreline of Belmont Bay are the best fishing options. Fishing from designated hiking trails is prohibited.

Remember that if you want to fish at the park, you must have a valid Virginia or Maryland fishing license or a Potomac River Fisheries Commission sport fish license. Car-top boat launch facilities available, but there are no facilities for trailer launching.

4. Gather for a picnic or a meeting

With an open field outside of the Visitor Center and plenty of picnic tables, Mason Neck State Park is a great place to have a picnic. You will be able to enjoy some food surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Bring your lunch and reserve a space to connect with friends while connecting with nature.

The universally accessible group picnic area is available for rent through the Reservations Center at 1-800-933-7275 (PARK). Parking fees are not included in shelter rental. The group picnic area can be rented during the hours the park is open.

The group picnic area has a gravel and stone dust surface with an accessible path to the picnic pad. There are seven picnic tables and one large pedestal charcoal grill.

The Wilson Spring Trail and the Bay View Trail begin near the picnic area and both trails provide a scenic path through the woods. You can hike any trail before or after a nice picnic at the park.

The park is a great place to gather for a picnic and even a meeting. Explorers Hall in the visitor center accommodates up to 30 people for meetings and educational sessions. It can be configured various ways to suit your group's needs. Audiovisual equipment is available, or you can bring your own. Contact the park at 703-339-2385 or email masonneck@dcr.virginia.gov for more information about how to rent the hall for your next meeting.

5. Tour the Visitor Center

Your park visit isn’t complete until you check out the visitor center. This space was expanded to include a new exhibit room, gift shop and meeting room. There are several exhibits in the center that highlight the park and the wildlife that thrive there. One part of the floor has a map on it, making it fun to experience a bird’s eye view of park layout, but the actual view of Belmont Bay right outside the center is the real treat.

The gift shop offers a wide variety of merchandise, souvenirs and some snacks. You can stop by here before your hike to pick up any maps or trail items as well as talk to a ranger. Visitor center staff can answer questions and provide information on park trails, facilities and local points of interest.

Plan your next visit

Before you visit the park it’s always encouraged to check out the Know Before You Go information on the park’s webpage to have the most up to date information.

When you visit you might notice some projects taking place or see flyers that mention programs or events. These programs and events take place largely due to the work of the park’s Friend Group. The Friends of Mason Neck State Park work to conserve, enhance and interpret the park’s natural, educational, recreational and cultural resources. For more information on how you can volunteer at the park by joining the Friends Group, email geninfo@masonneckstateparkfriends.org or visit www.masonneckstateparkfriends.org for details.

Self-guided hiking is available year-round, but the park offers programs and events during the year as well.

Check out the park’s event page to see upcoming events at Mason Neck.