Five Kayaking Destinations Near Springfield, VA
Springfield is located in the southern portion of Virginia’s Fairafax County just north of where the Occoquan River meets the Potomac. It was originally founded as a station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in 1847. Today the town is a bustling business center with a quiet, local charm and ample entertainment along the area’s many lakes, rivers, and creeks.
Springfield, Virginia Kayaking Destinations
Lake Accotink, the Occoquan River and the Potomac River make Springfield, Virginia a hotspot for kayaking, canoeing and other watersports. Here are our top picks for kayaking destinations near Springfield, VA.
Lake Accotink
Coming in at number one, is Springfield’s very own 55-acre lake, Lake Accotink. Formed by the damming of the Accotink Creek, the lake stretches north from the dam toward marshes and the creek. Relax and enjoy a quiet paddle around the lake and explore nature of the creek. The park also has a playground, hiking and biking rails, picnic areas and historic details of the Orange and Alexandria railroad trestle that was targeted by Confederate forces seeking to disrupt Union supply lines.
Mason Neck State Park
Just a short drive from Springfield, VA is Mason Neck State Park. This northern Virginia park offers many outdoor activities with hiking trails, paved trails, a large picnic area, a playground and a car-top canoe and kayak launch. Kane’s Creek and Belmont Bay are favorites for spotting bald eagles.
Leesylvania State Park
Nestled along the tidal shores of the Potomac River you will find Leesylvania State Park. One of the National Registered Historic Landmarks, it’s a must. The park offers many activities including hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating. For canoeing and kayaking, you’ll want to head to the car-top launch on Powells Creek. It’s a birder’s paradise with ospreys, ducks, cormorants, and heron.
Seneca Creek State Park
The Seneca Creek stretches for miles from its headwaters in Damascus, Maryland, through Gaithersburg, Germantown, Darnestown and Seneca, Maryland all the way to the Potomac River. While it may not be the most action-packed whitewater trip, it does offer Class I-II rapids. The state park consists of 14 scenic miles of the Seneca Creek, as it winds its way to the Potomac River. It’s a nice float trip for beginners with a few navigation and stability challenges. Take out is recommended at the Riley’s Lock boat ramp near the Seneca Aqueduct. Paddling time is approximately two hours. You can also kayak the park’s 90-acre Clopper Lake.
Occoquan River
Occoquan River Paddle Route is a 4.1 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Occoquan, Virginia. It offers a serene trip with many coves to explore. The area is very scenic with many opportunities to see wildlife including birds , waterfowl, beavers, deer, fox, turtles and fish.
Best Springfield, Virginia Kayak Storage
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