If you live or work in the Washington DC Metropolis area/Northern Virginia then you are inundated with a plethora of sights of interest, but sometimes you need to go outside and play in your own backyard. By this I mean getting out of dodge and travelling an hour or two from home for some adventure outside.

Virginia State Parks has Seven Unforgettable Experiences All Within Two Hours of DC, this is the first part in this series.

Let's start exploring the great outdoors with the first three day-use parks within your reach from the Nation's Capitol. 

MASON NECK STATE PARK

Marshes next to Mason Neck State Park with wintering tundra swans. A winter draw that is seasonal and time sensitive. The chorus they make is both beautiful and mesmerizing.

Visitors experience life in the marsh and swamp from the ease of the boardwalk

Majestic Bald Eagles soaring freely overhead are a special treat

Mason Neck State Park is a day use park and just a short drive from Washington, D.C. offering many outdoor activities and programs. There are fantastic hiking trails, 3 miles of paved multi-use trails, a large picnic area, and a great playground. There is a car-top canoe launch and a visitor center for you to explore. Canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals are also available in season.

WATCH US FLY

Bird watching, especially for Bald Eagles is especially popular at Mason Neck State Park. There are even guided canoe trips on Kane's Creek and Belmont Bay, and are a highlight for park visitors. The wetlands, forest, open water, ponds and open fields make this park ideal for environmental study and wildlife observation. Bring your binoculars, camera and field guides. You can also borrow a park pack to help enhance your visit.

Click here to view our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Mason Neck State Park.

Learn more about Mason Neck State Park here to help plan your day trip. The park is a 47 minute drive from DC, just 28.5 miles.

LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK

A lone kayaker paddles under train tracks at Leesylvania State Park

Family fishing fun (the big one got away)

Leesylvania State Park is nestled along the tidal shores of the Potomac River. Captain John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery and it is also the ancestral home of Virginia's legendary Lee and Fairfax families.

Here you can enjoy many unforgettable experiences on land and water like: superb hiking, picnicking, fishing, paddling and boating.

Leesylvania State Park also has a universally accessible fishing pier, fun playground, a popular boat ramp area with two ramps, sailboat hoists and parking for 186 cars or trailers, boat storage area, snack bar and store, visitor center and gift shop.

There is a 20-station fitness trail for visitors and affordable canoe and kayak rentals, also available in season.

DAY USE PLUS

A day use park, but you can experience this park from 6 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset Monday through Friday, And 5 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset on Saturday and Sunday.

Leesylvania State Park allows tent-only primitive group camping and paddle-in camping; call the park office for details and to make reservations, as these are not available online 703-730-8205.

Click here to view our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Leesylvania State Park.

Learn more about Leesylvania State Park here to help plan your day trip. The park is a 42 minute drive from DC, just 30.4 miles.

CALEDON STATE PARK

Artist from a recent Plein Air event. The beauty of Caledon State Park lends itself to enriching activities where you delve into self, inner peace, and viewing the world through Mother Nature’s eyes. 

Caledon State Park with its amazing old growth forest, scenic trails and access to the historic Potomac River attracts bird watchers of all ages. Just like Mason Neck State Park, it is also well-known as a summer home to countless Bald Eagles. 

There are ten hiking and four multi-use trails that take park visitors via a boardwalk through marshlands and along picturesque wooded areas of the park. The 2-mile Boyd's Hole Trail leading to the Potomac River is the most popular of the trails and starts just outside the visitor center.

EVENTS

The park is a popular draw for its annual Art and Wine Festival, and special Plein Air painting events.  

There are also eagle tours, fun night hikes, conducted walks, astronomy, storytelling, bonfire programs, bird-watching and craft programs for visitors to enjoy.

Caledon State Park has six paddle-in and hike-in primitive campsites available for rent year-round, not available online, call 800-933-PARK to inquire.

Click here to view our database of unforgettable experiences to be had at Caledon State Park.

Learn more about Caledon State Park here to help plan your day trip. The park is a 1 hour 30 minute drive from DC, just 58 miles.

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 OF THIS SERIES WHERE WE WILL EXPLORE THREE MORE: 

A MEADOW, A RIVER AND A LAKE