Hiking and Eagles on the Mason Neck Peninsula in Northern Virginia

Updated on May 9, 2023 by Julie McCool

With 9,000 acres of national, state and regional parkland, the Mason Neck peninsula in Fairfax County, Northern Virginia is an overachiever of exploring fun. One of our FuninFairfaxVa Facebook friends described Mason Neck as “the hidden heaven in NoVA,” and we don't disagree.

Mason Neck State Park, Lorton Virginia
Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, Virginia

Hiking and bird watching are two favorite activities for exploring the peninsula, both in Mason Neck State Park and the Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Refuge. Both parks offer peaceful, shady hikes and gorgeous views of diverse waterways. The park refuge was one of the first in the country established specifically to protect bald eagles, and we were lucky enough to see adult and juvenile bald eagles at the state park during one visit.

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Favorite Hikes at Mason Neck State Park

Start at the Visitor Center to pick up a trail map and catch the view of Belmont Bay. There are several nice options for hiking in the park, from short easy walks to longer trails. Here are some of the hikes we have enjoyed at Mason Neck.

Bay View Loop Trail

Many first-time visitors and families like the mile-long Bay View loop trail, which combines views of the bay with inland exploration. The trail is popular for a reason, featuring beautiful scenery and long boardwalks as you transition from Bay to marsh to woods. There is also a bird watching blind along the trail, where you can stop for the view and a rest. The marshes here are particularly lovely when the foliage transitions to fall colors.

Bay View Trail boardwalk Mason Neck SP
Bay View Trail boardwalk by the bay Mason Neck SP
Mason Neck State Park, Lorton Virginia
Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, Virginia
Bay Trail marsh view Mason Neck SP
Bay Trail marsh view

Eagle Spur and Kane's Creek Trails

In spring and summer, we like to hike out the Kane's Creek and Eagle Spur trails. The hike ends at a bird blind overlooking Kane's Creek, which extends from the bay into the Mason Neck peninsula. This is where we watched cruising bald eagles, red-winged blackbirds and dragonflies and enjoyed the peace. The hike to Kane's Creek is 2 miles each way, shady the entire time, and moderately hilly so it's good for active adults and kids.

Kane's Creek Mason Neck
Kane's Creek from the bird blind

Marsh View Trail

For a shorter and easier view, stroll the quarter-mile Marsh View Trail, which ends at a large platform overlooking the marsh at the upper end of Kane's Creek. The platform is shady, peaceful and a fantastic spot to watch birds.

Marsh platform view Mason Neck
Marsh View Trail platform view

If you don't want to hike, Mason Neck State Park also offers biking, boating, fishing, playground and picnic areas, and ranger-led activities. Discover more fun things to do and tips for your visit:

>> Mason Neck State Park: Nature and Outdoor Fun in Northern Virginia

Beach and boating at Mason Neck SP
Beach and boating at Mason Neck SP

Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge

Once you finish your visit to the state park, head to the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, on your right as you leave the park. The refuge's name honors the activist who fought to preserve the Mason Neck peninsula from threatened development, providing a refuge for bald eagles and other wildlife. The refuge is home to the 250 acre Great Marsh, one of the largest fresh water marshes on the Potomac River.

Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Refuge
Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Refuge

We hiked the 3-mile round-trip Woodmarsh trail—more wood than marsh—and were a little disappointed in the limited views of the wetlands.

Woodmarsh platform
Woodmarsh platform

Great Marsh Trail

For a better marsh view, walk the paved, 3/4-mile Great Marsh Trail, located a bit further south on the Mason Neck peninsula. There is ample free parking at the trailhead. This accessible trail is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, and it ends at a large platform with expansive views of the Great Marsh. Pets are welcome on the trail as long as they are on a leash.

Great Marsh trail sign
Great Marsh platform at Mason Neck
Great Marsh platform at Mason Neck
Great Marsh Trail view
Great Marsh Trail view

If you have the platform to yourself, like we did, you can soak up the silence and feel a million miles from  nearby Washington DC. This trail is

[box type=”note”]Find more unique places in our guide 20 Must See Northern Virginia Hidden Gems Rich in Nature and History[/box]

Gardens at Gunston Hall on the Mason Neck Peninsula

When you have had enough hiking time, we highly recommend a visit to Gunston Hall. The Mason Neck peninsula was the family home of George Mason, whose work became the foundation for the U.S. Bill of Rights. You can continue your outdoor exploration in the garden, which is being restored to it's original pre-Revolutionary War condition.

Gunston Hall boxwood allee, Mason Neck Virginia
Gunston Hall boxwood allee, Mason Neck Virginia

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Mason Neck State Park

7301 High Point Road
Lorton, VA 22079
703-339-2385
Mason Neck State Park web site
Map

Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge

High Point Road
Lorton, VA 22079
703-490-4979
Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge web site
Map

 

Virginia US Travel / Hiking. The Mason Neck peninsula in Northern Virginia offers excellent hiking on national and state parkland close to Washington DC.This article was originally published in June 2014 and updated in 2018.