These two areas, nearly adjacent to one other on VA 242 (exit 163 off I-95), are known for bald eagles and trails that span freshwater marshes and shady woodland. Both the refuge and park have trails leading to marsh overlooks. Both are day use only. The state park offers picnicking and restrooms. Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, (703) 490-4979, www.fws.gov/refuge/mason_neck. Mason Neck State Park, (703) 339-2385, www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neck. GPS: N38 38.644' / W77 11.947'. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 76, C4.
A 17.5-mile point-to-point National Scenic Trail along the Bull Run River and Occoquan Reservoir. The southern trailhead is located in Fountainhead Regional Park off VA 123 near the town of Occoquan. The appreciable length of the trail, combined with stream crossings—some impassable after inclement weather—make this hike a real challenge. The northern trailhead is at Bull Run Regional Park off VA 28, south of I-66 near Manassas. (703) 250-9124, www.novaparks.com/parks/bull-run-occoquan-trail. GPS: Fountainhead Regional Park, N38 43.502' / W77 19.828'; Bull Run Regional Park, N38 48.416' / W77 28.758'. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 76, B2, C3.
Located less than a mile from I-66; take exit 47 to VA 234. Park trails pass through the same fields where the North and South fought the first and second battles of Manassas during the Civil War. Scenery harkens back to 19th-century farmland. Open daily, dawn to dusk. (703) 361-1339; www.nps.gov/mana. GPS: N38 48.776' / W77 31.290'. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 76, B1.
Located just 40 miles from Washington, DC, just a stone’s throw off I-66, this reserve combines the beauty of mountainous woodlands with history dating to colonial times. Hike through coves that sheltered settler homes. (540) 422-1309; www.vofonline.org. GPS: N38 49.489' / W77 42.388'. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 75, B7.
Located on US 17 in Fauquier County, just south of US 50. At Sky Meadows, the rolling Piedmont meets the Blue Ridge. This former farm has a historic house, hike-in primitive campsites, and wonderful views. (540) 592-3556; www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sky-meadows. GPS: N38 59.527' / W77 57.997'. DeLorme: Virginia Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 75, A5.