Thursday, 11 November, 2021
Fall is a great time to check out Virginia’s outdoor amenities. Whether you enjoy forested paths, 18-holes of golf, or lively festivals, there is something for everyone in the Woodbridge area. Here are our top five picks for outdoor activities in and around Woodbridge.
1. J. Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve
The J. Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Virginia autumn. The preserve includes more than 217 acres of preserved and artificial wetlands. Most of the preserve can be explored on foot, but bring a pair of boots if you plan on checking out the large, wet marsh.
The preserve is a favorite haunt of bird watchers. Year-round feathered residents include Carolina chickadees, red-bellied woodpeckers, great blue herons, and bald eagles. During the winter months, many migrating birds stop at the preserve for rest along their journey. Common migrating birds include tundra swans, American black ducks, and Bonaparte’s gulls. In addition, the preserve offers several viewing blinds for those interested in bird photography.
If you enjoy hiking, check out the two miles of nature trails that run throughout the preserve. The chip-surface and boardwalk trails provide beautiful views of the natural woods, marshes, and river banks. The nature trail passes through seven “pods,” each showcasing unique local wildlife and vegetation. Be sure to check out the beavers busy at work building lodges in pod five.
You can find the J. Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve on Neabsco Road in Woodbridge.
2. Leesylvania State Park
Running along the shores of the Potomac River, Leesylvania State Park provides 556 acres of outdoor amenities for the whole family. Families with small children will enjoy the large, modern playgrounds, perfect for running and playing. The park has lots of picnic areas available, including two large shelters.
Leesylvania State Park’s five walking trails provide gorgeous river views and access to historical features. Be sure to keep an eye out for the remnants of a Civil War Confederate gun battery at Freestone Point. Trails range in difficulty, from the easy half-mile Potomac Trail to the Moderate two-mile Lee’s Woods Trail.
Leesylvania is a great place to fish for largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass, and perch. Amenities include a 300-foot fishing pier, boat launch, and sailboat hoist. Sailboat, canoe, and kayak rentals are available. Overnight boating is available with a special permit through the end of October.
Other amenities at Leesylvania include a large visitor center, tents-only primitive camping facilities, canoe tours, nature walks, and kids fishing tournaments. The park and fishing pier are open from 6 a.m. to sundown every day. The visitor center is open Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is $10. You can find Leesylvania State Park on Daniel K. Ludwig Drive in Woodbridge.
3. Old Hickory Golf Club
If you prefer to enjoy the outdoors on a manicured golf course, check out Old Hickory Golf Club. Designed by Tim Freeland, Old Hickory’s Par 72, the 7,190-yard golf course is a great place to spend a fall day. The challenging 18-hole course is divided in half by Beaver Creek and offers beautiful natural scenery and rolling hills. Old Hickory offers private golf lessons and cutting-edge technology for those new to golf or hoping to improve their swing. Old Hickory also offers group packages, perfect for families, friends, and coworkers.
Online booking is recommended to get the best price and tee times. Price varies depending on the season and day of the week, with winter rates starting on December 1. Weekday rates are $50 for 18 holes and $31 for nine holes, while weekend rates are $65 for 18 holes and $41 for nine holes. Discounts are available for seniors, active military, veterans, and kids under 18. Discounts are also available for tee times afternoon. Proper golf attire is required. Visit Old Hickory Golf Course on Chanceford Drive in Woodbridge.
4. Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge
The Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge sits on a peninsula in the Potomac River. The refuge contains 2,227 acres of forests and freshwater marshes. The sanctuary is home to many nesting eagle pairs and is a great place to view our national bird. In addition to bald eagles, the peninsula has over 500 active great blue heron nests and is a resting point for many migrating birds. Explore the 207-acre Great Marsh to see migrating ducks, tundra swans, and Canadian geese.
Several trails run through the refuge.
- High Point Trail: Three-mile, ADA-compliant, paved trail that can be used for hiking and biking.
- Woodmarsh Trail: Three-mile, unpaved trail that meanders through heavily forested acreage. T
- Great Marsh Trail: A 0.75-mile, ADA-compliant trail that ends at an observation platform.
The Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the fall and winter months. You can visit the refuge on High Point Road in Lorton, just 19 minutes outside of Woodbridge.
5. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Image via Flickr by U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Northeast Region.
The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a relaxing place to enjoy Virginia’s beautiful natural scenery and wildlife. With over 600 acres to explore, Occoquan Bay is home to white-tailed deer, beavers, waterfowl, ospreys, and eagles. Take a walk along Painted Turtle Pond. The photo blind and observation platform provides unique opportunities to capture wildlife photos.
Occoquan Bay has over four miles of trails. You can walk smaller portions or walk the entire 3.6-mile perimeter. The gravel trails are perfect for hiking in the fall or snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter. The unique Wildlife Drive is a two-mile driving loop that allows you to experience the local wildlife and habitats without leaving your vehicle.
The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is on Dawson Beach Road in Woodbridge. Daily passes are $2, with hours being 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 1 through March 31.
Now is the perfect time to get outdoors and immerse yourself in Virginia’s colorful fall scenery. Local amenities include state parks, hiking trails, camping, and golfing. For a breath of fresh air, be sure to check out any of these local favorites in and around Woodbridge.
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Image via Flickr by Judy Gallagher.
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