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Arts & Entertainment

Kayaking and Canoeing in Pohick Bay

A wetlands adventure close to home

On the north side of the Mason Neck peninsula, the mouth of Pohick Creek enters into a body of water known as Pohick Bay. Adjacent to this bay is Accotink Bay, the mouth of Accotink Creek. These tidal estuariesβ€”bays receiving fresh water from rivers and salt water from the oceanβ€”are home to an amazing array of wildlife and flora, accessible for exploration in kayak and canoe.

Pohick Bay Regional Park offers rentals by the hour or day of Jon boats, pedal boats, sunfish sailboats, canoes, single kayaks and double kayaks. From the boat rental beach, paddlers may choose to stay in the open bay waters, or venture back into the wetland areas closer the mouth of the creeks. The kayaks and canoes are best for an up close and personal look at the diverse offering of flora and fauna throughout the park.

For example, on a recent Sunday afternoon, a green tree frog hopped from a lily pad onto the bow of my canoe. Snowy Egrets prowled the shallow waters for fish while Great Blue Herons squawked and rose to the air from the rushes as I approached. The variety of birds was large and included great white egrets, red-winged blackbirds, various sea gull species, mallards, blue jays, northern cardinals, cormorants, and purple martins. As I floated on the still water watching the egrets and herons hunt, I suddenly heard behind me the musty "hoo, hoo, hoo" of a barred owl. Near the end of my two hour voyage, I lifted my head to a screech above and saw two bald eagles circling.Β 

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Paddling can be a strenuous activity, and participants should keep the possibility of fatigue in mind when planning an outing. It is also advisable to wear insect repellant, sun screen, a hat and sunglasses. Wear clothing that you won't mind getting wet. And don't bring anything valuable that you don't want to get wet, such as a camera or binoculars. To protect my camera while paddling, I stored it in an airtight container that would float should it fall overboard.

In addition to boat rentals, the Pohick Bay Regional Park offers "Paddle Adventures," weekend guided tours for organized groups or individuals. Reservations and a nonrefundable deposit are required. Age restrictions apply. Call the park at 703-339-6104 or email pohick@nvrpa.org.

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Historical Footnote(s):

Pohick Bay Regional Park is comprised of 1,002 acres on Mason Neck. Its name is the Algonquian Indian word for "water place." According to NVRPA documents, English explorer Captain John Smith encountered a settlement of Indians known as the Dogue or Doeg tribe in the area in 1608. What is now known as Mason Neck, renamed in the 18th century in honor of the largest landowner, was previously called Dogg's Island after this tribe.Β 

The first patents of the land which has become Pohick Bay Regional Park were given to Nicholas Jernew and John Gosnell in 1657. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) acquired the land comprising the current park between 1961 and 1972. The park opened to the public on March 20, 1971.

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