Thursday, 20 January, 2022
Woodbridge is a picturesque town in Prince William county, Virginia. It’s easily accessible along Interstate 95, yet offers many destinations that feel entirely remote. If you’re looking for outdoor activities and entertainment in the Woodbridge area, you’ll find no shortage of options. This part of Northern Virginia houses several parks, ranging from expansive wildlife refuges and educational state parks to quaint playgrounds where you can picnic and enjoy an outdoor concert.
If you’re looking for memorable parks to explore around Woodbridge, we can point you in the right direction. Check out these destinations for your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re interested in kayaking, hiking, or hitting the batting cage, we have something on our list that you’ll love.
Leesylvania State Park
Situated along the Potomac River, Leesylvania State Park is an ideal destination for water activities, such as fishing and boating. Canoe and kayak rentals are available on site. This park also features over 20 fitness stations, hiking trails, and a playground, so you’ll have plenty of ways to fill a day here. Leesylvania State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks and is one of the areas that Captain John Smith visited in 1608. The visitor’s center features exhibits that further explore the area’s history and natural wildlife.
Neabsco Regional Park
Neabsco Regional Park spans 300 acres and includes a number of notable highlights. The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk makes it possible to walk through the park’s marshes, which are home to mallards, blue herons, red-winged blackbirds, and more. The 800-mile Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail passes through the park, offering ample walking and hiking opportunities.
Rippon Lodge is a beautiful historic feature of Neabsco Regional Park. Constructed in 1747, this is one of the oldest homes in the county. It’s open for tours, available for rentals, and regularly hosts special events on its 40 sprawling acres.
River Mill Park
River Mill Park is just a postage stamp of a park, covering only one acre along the waterfront. However, this is a popular spot for outdoor concerts, local festivals, and special events. The park features a paved walking trail, event pavilion, and public restrooms. Of particular note is the large “LOVE” sculpture, which is a popular spot for photo ops. You can prove that “Virginia is for lovers” and snap a great picture here during your visit.
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Covering 642 acres, the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge provides a home to numerous species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Among the refuge’s inhabitants are bald eagles, ospreys, North American river otters, painted turtles, spotted salamanders, turkeys, red foxes, and white-tailed deer, along with many others. The rich landscape includes grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands, so there’s plenty to explore.
The wildlife refuge features four miles of gravel roads for foot traffic and a two-mile loop for auto tours. Wildlife photography is popular throughout the park. Along Marumsco Creek, you can even find a photo blind to help you catch a great picture. At the intersection of Deephole Point and Fox roads, there’s an observation platform that serves a similar purpose. Interpretive kiosks throughout the refuge provide additional information on the unique inhabitants of this area. Environmental education activities regularly take place in the park as well at the two outdoor pavilions, floating marshland boardwalk, or pond.
Hammill Mill Park
Hammill Mill Park is a small destination, but it’s not short on amenities. It’s particularly popular for its outdoor pool in the summer months. The park also features a mid-sized playground on wood chips, an outdoor basketball court, and horseshoe pits. If you’d like to have a picnic lunch in the park, you’ll find tables and grills readily available for you.
Occoquan Regional Park
You’ll find no shortage of fun activities to enjoy at Occoquan Regional Park. The park offers boat and kayak rentals for boating and fishing along the Occoquan River. Visitors may bring their own boats as well for a small launch fee. Jon boats, powerboats, and other watercraft are permitted on the river. Anglers will find largemouth bass, flathead catfish, channel catfish, crappie, and yellow perch in the water. If you’re interested in really covering some distance, try the 40-mile Occoquan Water Trail that takes you past 10,000 acres of public lands.
If you prefer to explore on foot, the park offers several hiking trails, many of which are paved. Is fitness your primary pursuit? The Occoquan Brickyard 5k course is a paved pedestrian track that’s perfect for everything from regular workouts to hosting special events and fundraisers. Occoquan Regional Park even features its own batting cage with pitching machines that handle both softballs and baseballs at a variety of speeds.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can stop at the Brickmakers Cafe for waterfront dining along the river. The cafe has both indoor and outdoor dining. It offers salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, and even seafood options like crab cakes or popcorn shrimp.
Mason Neck State Park
Mason Neck State Park features a diverse landscape with forests, open fields, wetlands, and ponds. This is an ideal spot for birdwatching, with American bald eagles in residence. Kane’s Creek and Belmont Bay both offer outstanding opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Three miles of paved trails provide an easy way to walk or jog through the park and take in the sights.
Families will love Mason Neck State Park for its playground, visitor’s center, and spacious picnic area. The park regularly hosts educational programs that explore some of the local wildlife, such as turtles, frogs, toads, swans, and eagles. Check the calendar before your visit to see what’s going on so you can take advantage of all the fun.
These area parks offer plenty to explore. Load up your vehicle and get ready for some memorable adventures!
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Image via Flickr by Judy Gallagher
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