Take a break from the heat of summer and take advantage of the many water sports that are available in the Northern Virginia area. Whether you consider yourself a skilled expert or it’s your first time trying a new sport – check out these local Fairfax County parks where you can enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, pedal boating and fishing.
By Maura Stevens
Lake Accotink Park
Sitting only a mile from the beltway but nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood,Lake Accotink Parkis a hidden gem. The park is quiet and tranquil and provides opportunity for lots of fun water activities.
Some of the more popular water sport at Lake Accotink include paddle boarding, kayaking and pedal boating. These items are all available to rent at the park. They offer several water sports classes and tours such as Intro to Kayaking, Night Kayaking Tour, Fall Foliage Kayaking Tour and a Parent/Child Fishing Class.
If you have your own boat you can launch at Lake Accotink. Small boats powered by electric motors, sailboats under 15 feet, canoes, kayaks and rowboats are allowed on the lake. Pay $5 launch fee at marina. Season passes available for a reasonable $40. An ADA accessible boat launch has been installed at the marina and can be accessed by checking in at the marina during marina business hours or by calling the visitor center at 703-569-3464, when the marina is closed.
Burke Lake Park
If fishing is your water sport of choice – then head over the Burke Lake Park. Burke Lake Park is home to a 218-acre lake with 5.25 miles of fishing shoreline, four fishing bulkheads at the state game area, a new fishing pier, and a boat launching dock. Both the fishing bulkheads and the fishing pier are accessible to persons with disabilities. A 4.68 trail surrounds the lake starting at the marina parking lot.
The lake is a fisherman’s dream as it is well-stocked with large-mouth bass, Walleye, Muskie, Catfish, Black Crappie, Yellow and White Perch, and a variety of Sunfish and Bluegill.
If you don’t feel like fishing, the Park offer s a variety of other water sports including kayaking, canoeing and boating (both row boats and electric row boats. And if you want to just enjoy the lake – jump on a Burke Lake boat tour which guides guests around Burke Lake. These guided tours allow Fairfax County Park Authority staff to share with park patrons the beautiful shoreline, information about wildlife and native fauna, as well as panoramic vistas from the water.
Pohick Bay Regional Park
Pohick Bay Regional Park, located on Mason Neck Peninsula in Lorton, VA. Pohick Bay is home to one of the area’s finest wildlife habitats and visitors have enjoyed views of bald eagles, great blue herons, ospreys, fish and other wildlife.
You can find a variety of water sports at Pohick Bay and there are plenty of rental options. The park’s fleet consists of pedal boats, single kayaks, double kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. They offer hourly and daily rentals.
The park also offers guided canoe, kayak and stand-up paddle boarding tours, including sunset tours and full moon kayak tours which offer a fun day of adventure on the water. If you prefer to bring your own boat – you can use Pohick’s public boat launch ramp. The boat launch facility is one of only 3 public access points to the Potomac River in northern Virginia and the closest to Washington DC.
