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*$10 Park Entrance Fee* Join us for an easy walk around Mason Neck State Park in southeastern Fairfax County. This 3.6 mile social hike is the perfect opportunity to enjoy marshland habitats and woodland trails, with the possibility of bald eagle sightings!
We will start at the bluffs behind the Visitors Center following a trail down to the beach. Then we’ll backtrack and pick up the dirt and boardwalk Bayview Trail through the marshes, passing by beaches and beaver habitat (bring binoculars if you want a view of the beaver lodge!). From there, we will pick up the Wilson Spring Trail which takes us into the woods, crossing High Point Road and continuing onto Kane’s Creek Trail, ending at the parking lot at the Visitors Center.
This hike is rated as easy based on short duration, slow pace, mostly flat terrain (with some steps), and minimal obstacles including muddy puddles and tree roots.
Trail map: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-masonneck1.pdf
Transportation: We’ll meet at the entrance to the Mason Neck State Park Visitors Center at 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, VA 22079. It costs $10 per car to enter the park, and there are plenty of parking spots adjacent to the Visitors Center. Carpooling is an excellent way to help the environment and meet new people, so if you can offer a ride, please post in the comments section with metro station or other accessible location for pick up.
Dog friendly?: Yes. Please keep your dog leashed at all times.
Bathroom Facilities/Water: Located at the Visitors Center at the start of the hike. Please carry plenty of water!
Food: Folks are encouraged to bring a snack to enjoy after the hike. There are picnic tables within the park.
Weather: Be prepared! We will hike rain or shine, but if conditions pose a danger, we’ll cancel the hike and post a notice in the “comments” section. We suggest that hikers wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and suitable clothing made from quick-dry, synthetic fabrics, as cotton can lead to uncomfortable blisters and life-threatening hypothermia in case of inclement weather.
For important updates regularly monitor the comments section below.
Don’t be a no show! If your plans change, update your RSVP.
*When you sign up to join a hike you automatically acknowledge
VSDC Vegan Trekkers Liability Waiver: https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/ *
Please also view the Rules listed at the end of this description
*Please read The 10 Essentials of Hiking: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/ *
RULES
Pets: When hikes are organized in dog-friendly areas, hikers are invited to bring their pet(s). However, dogs are the sole responsibility of the owner(s) who brought them; should be up-to-date on their vaccinations & in possession of the relevant tags; and should be under the control of their owner(s) at all times. Dogs that demonstrate consistently aggressive or otherwise out-of-control behavior will be banned from future hikes. Owners should come prepared to dispose of their dogs’ waste in appropriate receptacles.
Alcohol/Smoking/Intoxicants: Use of intoxicants such as alcohol, cigarettes and/or illegal substances is banned during the hikes.
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