Mason Neck Marsh Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

An easy scenic hike that includes woodlands, marsh and bay views. Great for families and birdwatchers.

Starting from the Wilson Springs parking lot, head along the Dogue Trail first. The Dogue Trail is a flat crushed rock doubletrack that drains well after heavy rains.

After the Dogue Trail loop, take a left on Wilson Trail to get to the Bayview Trail. Wilson Spring and Bayview are singletrack with elevation changes up and down the ravines on the way to a viewing stand overlooking the marsh. The trail continues along the edge of the marsh as it drains down to the bay. There are boardwalks and bridges along the marsh and at the edge of the bay to make the trail accessible even after heavy rains.

Continue along the bay until the main parking lot and then head back up into the woods to loop back to Wilson Springs. Overall, a nice, easy-to-intermediate hike with great views!

Lots of birds and I assume beaver, since the marsh was created by a series of beaver dams at the edge of the bay.