Description
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.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Mason Neck State Park (as reported to eBird)
- Canada Goose
- American Wigeon
- Mallard
- Lesser Scaup
- Ruddy Duck
- American Coot
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Bald Eagle
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Fee
- Accessible
- Hiking Trails
- Information
- Interpretive Nature Program
- Interpretive Trail
- Parking
- Phone
- Picnic
- Restrooms
- Viewing Blinds
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079
Access to the park is via U.S. 1, then five miles east on Route 242 (Gunston Road) to the park entrance.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.