Occoquan River, VA - Canoe/Kayak Trips on Waymarking.com

This launch site is part of the Occoquan Water Trail and Chesapeake Bay Gateway Networks.

"Tracing a 40-mile route on two tributary waterways of the Chesapeake Bay, paddling adventures await as you explore a vast and changing landscape, spanning 13,000 years of human history, past 10,000 acres of public lands dedicated to resource conservation in northern Virginia. Interpretive exhibits located at eight access points present a tapestry of time and place — past, present and future — each reveals a different facet of an extraordinary resource.

The 20 mile stretch of the Upper Segment begins on free-flowing, tree-lined Bull Run, which widens as it joins the Occoquan River, opening to an expansive, freshwater lake formed by the Occoquan Reservoir dam. The Lower Segment’s brackish, open waters pass marinas and protected marshlands along the Mason Neck Peninsula, on the wide expanse of the tidal Potomac River.

Remember that you are a guest while on the Occoquan Water Trail–minimize the impact of your visit as much as possible. Learn about, appreciate and enjoy the special nature of the trail!

General Information
• Don’t swim in the Occoquan Reservoir–our drinking water supply!
• Respect private property and others; minimize noise.
• Use designated trail access points and facilities while on the trail.
• Carry out your trash and any other trash you see.
• Do not feed, touch or disturb birds or wild animals; leave flowers, plants and rocks as you found them.
• Use land-based trails ONLY to access National Wildlife Refuges and the Fort Belvoir Refuges." website Tracing a 40-mile route on two tributary waterways of the Chesapeake Bay, paddling adventures await as you explore a vast and changing landscape, spanning 13,000 years of human history, past 10,000 acres of public lands dedicated to resource conservation in northern Virginia. Interpretive exhibits located at eight access points present a tapestry of time and place — past, present and future — each reveals a different facet of an extraordinary resource." website (visit link)

Parking/put-in/launching information: Plenty of parking as there is a concrete ramp for power boats. Great website with large PDF map of lower and upper trail and full of lots of safety and paddling tips. Paddling conditions to be expected: From this launch site if you go upstream to the town of Occoquan it will be flat, protected water. Weekend the area could be busy with power boats but I believe paddling up stream is mostly a no-wake zone. You could even take out in the water front village of Occoquan for lunch. Difficulty of the trip: All levels Length of trip: 40 miles total which can be broken up into smaller segments. Portages: None at this access site. All flat water with access to the much large water of the Potomac River. Permits required: Launch fee is $4.00 if you live in Fairfax county and $5.00 if you don't. Type of trip: This launch site best suited for a loop paddle. Other information: You could even take out in the water front village of Occoquan for lunch. Take-out Coordinates: Not Listed

Visit Instructions:
Logging waymarks in this category requires a picture of your boat and your GPS at the given parking/launching coordinates,and a brief description of your canoe/kayak trip.

Additional photos and information and/or suggestions for future waymarkers will be appreciated, but is not necessary.

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