Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Description

The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is open year round. A one-mile wildlife drive and over three miles of hiking trails provide access to grasslands, tidal marshes and the river’s edge. The refuge is one of the largest open areas remaining in northern Virginia. Over 650 species of plants and 200 species of birds have been observed on the site. The site has one of the largest stands of eastern gamma grass in the state. Waterfowl, deer, red fox and raptors are abundant and can easily be observed from the trails. The Visitor Contact Station is open on weekends. The station hosts a display of the winners of the Federal Junior Duck Stamp program for the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as an assortment of mounted raptors and songbirds.

Directions

From the Town of Occoquan, return to Gordon Boulevard/SR 123 and turn right. Travel 1.5 miles and turn right onto Jefferson Davis Highway/US 1 South. Get into the left lane and prepare to turn left at the next light. At the traffic light, turn onto Dawson Beach Road. Proceed to the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge entrance gate.