Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

Get Outside and Discover why Mason Neck is such an amazing place.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

Are you ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city?

Get Outside and Discover why Mason Neck is such an amazing place.

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.

The Friends of Mason Neck State Park are hosting a wonderful night  Bring a blanket or a chair and join us on the lawn by the Visitor Center.

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

What a better way to celebrate National Public Lands Day than doing something for our public lands!   Volunteers can participate in a shoreline cleanup, either on foot or by taking canoes out to access areas we can't get to on foot.  Regular rules apply for boats going out.  We will have a few grabbers, lots of bags and gloves (though it is recommended to bring your own).  This is a great opportunity to come as a family, or group, to do something good.   Please plan to wear sturdy shoes that can get wet, and don't forget to bring a bottle of water and lots of bug repellent.     When you arrive, come to the visitor center to sign in.   We ask that you let us know you are joining us by calling 703.339.2385 and signing up.  That way we will know how many to prepare for.  Walk ins are welcome as well.  Park entrance fee is waived on this day!

By sorting through the remains of former civilizations, archaeologist can put together the pieces of a culture.

Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

Snakes are ssstupendous!

The Bay View Trail is one of our most popular hiking options.

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a bird?

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

Twilight Paddle Adventures are a great way to spend an evening away from the hustle and bustle of work, traffic and the cares of life.

The Bay View Trail is one of our most popular hiking options.

Who loves a good campfire song or story?  We do!  Gather up any stories or songs you have, and we will meet you at the campfire circle on Beach Trail.  Please bring your own materials for S'mores.

Evenings are a wonderful time in the park to be on the water.

Beavers are Nature's architect!  Meet one of our  rangers, at the Bay View Trail head for a short hike down the Trail to the marsh to see evidence of Mason Neck's resident family of beavers.

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

Although most of Mason Neck’s critter friends are nocturnal, that doesn’t mean we can’t see evidence of them.

Fall is here and the leaves are changing.

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

This rare "park after dark" experience will provide visitors of all ages the opportunity to join a guided night hike exploring the wonders aglow in the forest, relax around a warm campfire, and learn about the nocturnal animals of our park.  Event schedule: 5:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Campfire/Storytelling - Bring a cozy blanket or chair and listen to stories around a campfire.  Smore's station.  1 ticket per person that is registered.  6:15-7:15  Night  Hikes -  Hikes will leave approximately every 15 minutes and will last about 20 minutes  5:30-7:30  Nocturnal animal stations.  Meet some of our nocturnal animals characters, and walk around several stations, try a craft or activity to learn the special adaptations of our nocturnal animals.    Pre- registration recommended so we can plan   Please call the park 703.339.2385  to register your family or group!

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

The Bay View Trail is one of our most popular hiking options.

Who loves a good campfire song or story?  We do!  Gather up any stories or songs you have, and we will meet you at the campfire circle on Beach Trail.  Please bring your own materials for S'mores.

Fall is here and the leaves are changing.

Fallen leaves are incredibly beneficial for a wide variety of reasons.

Fallen leaves are incredibly beneficial for a wide variety of reasons.

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.

Fall is here and the leaves are changing.

Use almost ALL your senses as we explore all that fall has to offer!  We will have a sensory bin for the younger kids, and some crafty fun for the older kids.

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

Fall is here and the leaves are changing.

Use almost ALL your senses as we explore all that fall has to offer!  We will have a sensory bin for the younger kids, and some crafty fun for the older kids.

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

Fall is here and the leaves are changing.

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

With the temperature dropping our animals need to find ways to survive the winter.   Together we will learn about hibernation and other ways animals survive the winter months at Mason Neck.

Lizards, leaves, clouds and more. Little ones love our park too!  This hands on program is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the park on  quieter days, to learn a little about nature, science and our connections to the park.   Each week will be different, it may start with a story or a hike and be filled with adventure.  Caregivers MUST stay with their child at all times.

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Tundra Swans have made their way to Mason Neck!  We will have a brief slide show and discussion about the Largest Bird that comes to our area to escape the arctic cold. We invite you to stay for the talk, and some fun crafts. Family friendly!  .

Throughout the day Mason Neck will be leading many types of hikes for both children and adults.

Tundra Swans have made their way to Mason Neck!  We will have a brief slide show and discussion about the Largest Bird that comes to our area to escape the arctic cold. We invite you to stay for the talk, and some fun crafts. Family friendly!  .

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

You can help restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s rivers by participating in Mason Neck's Grasses for the Masses program.

Tundra Swans have made their way to Mason Neck!  We will have a brief slide show and discussion about the Largest Bird that comes to our area to escape the arctic cold. We invite you to stay for the talk, and some fun crafts. Family friendly!  .

You can help restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s rivers by participating in Mason Neck's Grasses for the Masses program.

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Mason Neck State Park is a popular gathering place for many species of migrating waterfowl.

You can help restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s rivers by participating in Mason Neck's Grasses for the Masses program.

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

You can help restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s rivers by participating in Mason Neck's Grasses for the Masses program.

Although most of Mason Neck’s critter friends are nocturnal, that doesn’t mean we can’t see evidence of them.

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Have the elegant tundra swans arrived along the shores and marshes of Mason Neck?

Although most of Mason Neck’s critter friends are nocturnal, that doesn’t mean we can’t see evidence of them.

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

Mason Neck State Park is a popular gathering place for many species of migrating waterfowl.

You may have seen the foxes, deer, and other mammals that live at the park, but have you ever felt their fur?

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a bird?

A Mason Neck Ranger will start the hike at the Kane's Creek trailhead near the visitor center, then hike to the Observation point on Eagle Spur trail and back. This hike is about 3.5 miles from start to finish, mostly packed dirt with some stairs and boardwalks. Please remember to dress for the weather in layers, and bring water. Along the way, the Ranger will go over the flora and fauna that can be seen on the trail.    .

Did you ever wonder why butterflies and moths have such amazing colors and patterns?

Marshes are more than great spots for fishing, canoeing, and bird-watching.

Mason Neck State Park is a popular gathering place for many species of migrating waterfowl.

Although most of Mason Neck’s critter friends are nocturnal, that doesn’t mean we can’t see evidence of them.

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

The Bay View Trail is one of our most popular hiking options.

Presented by the Friends of Mason Neck State Park: Alison Zak, the Executive Director of the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund, will present a a brief history of human interactions with beavers over time, an overview of beaver ecology and behavior, and an exploration of the benefits that beavers and the wetlands they create provide to the health of our watersheds, landscapes, and communities.  Park Staff will present a short overview of how the beavers in the wetland along the Park's Bayview Trail have changed the ecology of the wetland.   View this presentation by visiting Explorer Hall in the park's Visitor Center, or view from home by registering here.

Birding is a wonderful hobby.

Birding is a wonderful hobby.

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.

You may have seen the foxes, deer, and other mammals that live at the park, but have you ever felt their fur?

Who was Elizabeth Hartwell?

Invest in Our Planet Celebrate Earth Day and invest some time at Mason Neck!

Not all-aquatic wildlife has fins or scales!

Create your own up-cycled Nature Journal!   Keeping a Nature Journal is one way of memory keeping.  You don't have to be an artist to journal, it could be filled with stickers from parks, poems, or lists of what you saw.   Journals are as unique as the individuals using them. .

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.

Turtle shells and feathers and fur oh my!   You may have seen the turtles, foxes, deer, and other animals that live at the park, but have you ever felt their fur, or shells?  Join a ranger to touch animal pelts, shells, feathers and learn about predator-prey relationships and the adaptations each species uses to survive.

Join us at Mason Neck for a morning bird walk with a trained leader from the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia.

Join us at Mason Neck for a morning bird walk with a trained leader from the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia.

Join us for a full day of live animal shows, hands on educational opportunities, and outdoor recreation clinics that all aim to highlight the rich natural history of Northern Virginia and foster stewardship of our environment.

Mason Neck is excited for Kids to Parks Day 2023!

Not all-aquatic wildlife has fins or scales!

From eagles to owls, raptors are everywhere at Mason Neck State Park.