Even when the weather is chilly there isn't any reason not to get outside and explore all of the great parks and recreation activities that you can find in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Though your week may include commuting on crowded interstates, metro rides or slug lines, the weekend gives you the perfect opportunity to take in the solitude of many of our areas parks. Whether you are looking for one of the parks run by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, the National Park Service or the Department of the Interior you can find a park and outdoor activity to enjoy.
Parks on the Mason Neck Peninsula are a perfect example of both the variety of parks and the cooperation of nature conservation groups in Fairfax County. The Mason Neck area traces its history back to 1608 when it was recording by John Smith that he meet with the native Dogue Indians and charted the local area. When George Mason, author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights built his home in the area in 1755 the name was changed from Doeg Neck to Mason's Neck.
For most of the 1800's and early into the 1900's the area was used for logging of the native hardwoods and much of the land was ripe for development due to its waterfront location. The discovery of a pair of nesting bald eagles in 1965 put a halt to most of the planned development of the area and instead a committee was formed of local citizens to purchase some of the land that now makes up the Mason Neck State Park. Eventually local, state and federal agencies stepped up with funds and over 2000 acres were set aside as both a Wildlife Refugee and State Park.
Today the park is a national National Wildlife Refuge with close to 2000 acres. When you stop by the visitors center you will learn more about the variety of birds, including the bald eagles that you will find througout the area. The playground overlooking the water is a treat for children, there is a 3 mile bike path through the woods and plenty of trails to explore.
Just down the road is Pohick Regional Park run by the Northern Virginia Park Authority. This park is one of only three Northern Virginia public access points for the Potomac River. If a power boats aren't your thing then you can rent a canoe, kayak or paddle boat and head down one of the quiet tributaries off of the river. Pohick Park is a full service park with no only the boat launch facilities but also an 18 hole golf course, a miniature golf course, playground and numerous picnic areas
Pohick Park is one of the few local parks that has rustic cabins available for rent as well as campgrounds for tent campers. As part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority residents of the county can also buy annual pool passes which can be used at any of the other NVRPA pools in the summer as well. The park shelters an abundance of wildlife, including bald eagles. As you are wandering through the numerous paths in the park you can expect to see osprey, heron, deer, beavers and occasional a rare view of a river otters.
So don't sit on the couch when the weather is chilly. Visit the local parks when the crowds are slim and enjoy the crisp air. You might be surprised at what you see wandering through the woods, including me!
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Wish we had this beauty in our area, Dallas, TX. We do have some nice parks but they pale in comparison to the geograpghy of other areas. Inspired me to visit.
Sounds like a very lovely place to relax and enjoy yourself. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy, I am lucky that my son is a Boy scout, so we get a chance 12 months a year to visit parks. The scary thing is that some are closing due to lack of funds. (How do you close a parK????)
I was visiting my sister in Winchester VA last week, we drove into WV to visit a park and go hiking, the top half of the park with the senic over looks was closed, they turned us around and sent us back down the hill. so it is not just a NJ thing. But our nations state parks offer a lot all year long, we should all take advantage of them.
Cindy, it's 20 below this morning, so if it's ok with you, I think I'll stay on the couch today! But at least I can watch a herd of elk from my window, as they are wintering on the hillside across the Snake River from my house...
Cindy,
Our govenor has closed many of our state parks as he bankrupted our state. We are fighting like dogs to reverse the damage he has caused. He was out for himself and NO ONE else. I think you know which state I'm talking about. It is on the news everywhere.
I'll walk in the 20 degree weather. I do it all the time. Builds character and is great excercise!
Connie-if you find yourself heading this way by all means give me a call. Being right outside of DC I'm used to being a tour guide.
Pat-I love walking through the parks in the winter time. Surprisinginly I'n not the only one who was out and about this weekend.
Robert-what a terrible consequence of the economic crisis. I too garnered my appreciate of parks through years of being both an active girl scout and troop leader. My family and I have hiked and camped all around the world.
Tim-OKay I thing I can take that as a legitimate excuse NOT to go for a hike. But only for today. As soon as it hits zero you need to get out!
Tony-good for you for bracing yourself for a walk in the cold. Even though it gets cold here when you are in the woods if the wind is howling it is like being wrapped in a protective blanket.