Mason Neck State Park

Mason Neck State Park is a gem among Virginia’s fine state parks. The nature center, which provides information about natural history and the park’s trails and wildlife, has been wonderfully landscaped with butterfly gardens. During summer months, butterflies and dragonflies may outnumber visitors. Inquire at the nature center about the park’s guided canoe trips and eagle outings. Trails depart from the nature center and offer expansive vistas of Belmont and Occoquan Bays. These rich bodies of water offer year-round birding opportunities that include raptor viewing, wintering waterfowl, wading birds, and migrating Caspian terns. Take advantage of the self-guided nature trail. The park’s paths also ramble through deciduous forest whose canopy towers overhead. Ovenbird, wood thrush, yellow-billed cuckoo, and great-crested flycatcher breed here during summer months, and migration swells the number of woodland bird species to over 100.