First Day Hikes at Mason Neck State Park--includes special one for Friends of MNSP

Join the Friends of Mason Neck State Park, the park staff, and folks around the country for a day of hiking, as part of America's State Parks' First Day Hikes initiative. Now in its third year, this is a great way to start off 2014 on the right foot! The park is home to a population of bald eagles and a wide variety of wildlife.

 Choose from three varied hikes available to everyone or become a member of the Friends of Mason Neck State Park to participate in a special hike at 2:00! You can join at our membership booth in the park – just $20 for one year.

 1) 10:00 am: A 3.5 mile hike at a normal pace using the Kane's Creek  and Eagle Spur Trails. Stop at a blind to view wildlife near the creek.

 2) 11:00am: A vigorous 6 mile(10k) hike covering multiple trails and stopping at three blinds to view wildlife.

 3) 2:00pm: ***Special*** hike for the Friends of Mason Neck State Park. View an eagles nest from a vantage point that is much closer than any accessible by the general public. Spotting scopes will be set up for your use. Be sure to complete your membership application in time! You can also go to masonneckstateparkfriends.org to join.

 4) 3:00pm: A 1 mile leisurely walk on the Bay View Trail with a stop at the blind overlooking the marsh.

 Join us for hot cider when you complete your hike!

 The Friends of Mason Neck State Park, Inc. is a citizens support organization that works to enhance all of the park's resources through volunteer work, outreach, and other activities.