Hours
Access and hours of public launch sites vary; consult individual parks for current information as you plan your trip. The National Wildlife Refuges are NOT accessible by boat at any time.
Remember: safe use of the waterways at any time is your responsibility!
Fees
Many public launch sites have seasonal fees; check with managing agency for current information.
About Occoquan Water Trail
Natural, cultural and recreational resources abound along the 40 mile route of the Occoquan Water Trail on its journey to the Chesapeake Bay. From its beginnings on narrow, tree-lined Bull Run to the open waters and tidal estuaries of the Potomac River, the Occoquan Water Trail offers paddlers the chance to experience a broad range of paddling adventures, scenic vistas, and historic landscapes on its route.
This water trail meets the Potomac River Water Trail beyond the Mason Neck peninsula, accessing seven regional parks, a county, two state parks and two National Wildlife Refuges and nearby town of Occoquan on its way. It includes areas once visited by Captain John Smith and long occupied by Native Americans. Facilities, including boat rentals are available at several public parks.
A trail map and guide and eight orientation/interpretive signs on route provide a guide to the natural and human history of this region and portray their associations with local waterways over time.
Note: There is no portage around the Occoquan River Dam; prepare to access the trail above or below the dam. REMEMBER, safe use of the waterways is YOUR responsibility at all times! Obtain and review a water trail map and guide in advance to plan a safe trip.
Occoquan Water Trail Website
User Submitted Reviews
The following are opinions given by individuals who have visited the park. They are not the opinions of the National Park Service.
twm |
Occoquan Water Trail
4/11/2010
My 9 yr old son and I paddled the upper segment Occoquan river trail today (4/11/2010) from the trail's start at Bull Run Regional Park (BRRP) to the Bull Run Marina near Yates Ford Road. We took our 15 ft canoe on this first venture for us into that section (we've typically paddled around the Fountainhead Park area). The bluebells and redbuds were in full bloom, with the bluebells lining the stream for almost the entire length of the trip. The bluebell and blue-grey trail that follows the stream was busy near all the easily accessible parts of the stream, but it didn't spoil a thing since I don't exactly expect to feel out in the wild in suburbs of northern VA . We did see notable wildlife: mallards, blue herons, turtles, and fish (no deer since it was afternoon). I think the highlight was spotting three bald eagles about a mile upstream of the Bull Run marina...with one taking a low-level pass. I think it gave my then-tired son a burst of energy again.
In planning for the trip, I was a bit concerned about 1) water levels, 2) downed trees on the relatively shallow and narrow section of the Bull Run above Rt 28, and 3) the time it would take to reach our destination. Water levels were pretty good for the trip thanks to springtime rains: we only had to pull across a few shallow spots - most of them upstream from Ordway road. Downed trees and debris were prevalent from the trailhead to Rt 28; only one tree blocked the stream but was easy to work around. Our original goal was Fountainhead park, but my 9-yr old was understandably ready to pull out by the time we hit the Bull Run marina 4 hours after setting out. We estimated the remaining trip to Fountainhead to be another 1.5 hrs (maybe more with the increasing head wind), and I wanted the trip to be a positive experience for him (and me).
Overall: a great day and a great trip for being so close to the suburbs of DC. Whitewater enthusiasts will be bored, but northern VA paddlers looking for a good day trip without traveling too far will be pleased if water levels are sufficient. I can recommend the section from Rt. 28 and downstream. Do it in the springtime or if there is a wet summer and fall. Some sections above Hemlock Park will require short hauls over shallows in low water conditions. Overall you will see plenty of scenic sections with few other boaters on the water here.
No camera, so no pictures (sorry)
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