Mason Neck State Park
Phone: (703) 550-0960
Mason Neck State Park is situated on a peninsula formed by Pohick Bay on the north, Belmont Bay on the south and the Potomac River on the east. The peninsula is the site of an active heron rookery. The park also attracts several other migrating and non-migrating species of birds, including whistling swans and assorted species of duck. Bald eagles also inhabit the area. The park boasts several hundred acres of hardwood forests consisting of oaks, holly, hickory and other species of trees. In addition, several wetland areas are also found in Mason Neck.
Land was purchased over the years from the The Nature Conservancy. The park connects with a National Wildlife Refuge that includes over 2,000 acres. The park opened to the public in 1985.
Directions
The park is in the southwest corner of Fairfax County, approximately 20 miles from Washington, D.C. Access to the park is via U.S. 1, then five miles east on Route 242 (Gunston Road) to the park entrance.
Reservations: http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/reserve.htmMore info at http://www.dcr.state.va.us/parks/masonnec.htm
State Parks Guide
National Geographic Guide to the State Parks of the United States
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(National Geographic)
Highlights 200 of the best state parks across the country.
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