Thursday, July 11, 2013

Paddling Tours in Northern Virginia Expand


2013 Paddle Adventures with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority



Paddle Tours at Algonkian Regional Park

Come paddle the upper reaches of the scenic Potomac River. Paddle among the islands that are stretched out on this beautiful section of the river. Learn about the natural world around you and general ecology of the area. Call 703-450-4655 for reservations (required). Cost: $30 per person.

Saturday Morning Tours (3 hours)

Saturday 5/11 9:00am - 12:00pm

Saturday 6/1 9:00am - 12:00pm

Saturday 6/22 9:00am - 12:00pm

Saturday 7/20 9:00am - 12:00pm

Saturday 8/17 9:00am - 12:00pm

Saturday 9/14 9:00am - 12:00pm

Saturday 10/5 9:00am - 12:00pm

Fall Color Tours (3 hours)

Saturday 10/19 10:00am - 1:00pm

Saturday 10/20 10:00am - 1:00pm

Sunset Tours (2.5 hours)

Saturday 7/13 6:30pm – 9pm (sunset – 8:38pm)

Saturday 8/3 6:30pm – 9pm (sunset – 8:20pm)



Paddle Tours at Fountainhead Regional Park

Enjoy the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the Occoquan Reservoir. Our friendly park staff guides will lead all groups on a fun and memorable outdoor experience while highlighting natural and historic features unique to the area. Tours are offered for ages 12 & up, 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Call Fountainhead Regional Park today to make your reservations (required) at 703-250-9124. Cost is $30 per person.

Sunset Tour Dates:

5/25, 6/9, 6/22, 7/7, 7/20, 8/4 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

8/25 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

9/8, 9/21 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Moonlight Tour Dates:

6/2, 7/6, 7/21, 8/17 (8:30 pm - 11:00 pm)

9/15 (7:30 pm - 10:00 pm)

9/29 (7:00 pm - 9:30 pm)

Fall Color Tour Dates:

10/27, 11/2 (2:00 pm - 4:30 pm)



Paddle Tours at Pohick Bay Regional Park

Join us for an exciting adventure on the water of Pohick Bay. Explore one of the area’s finest wildlife habitats while enjoying views of bald eagles, great blue herons, ospreys, fish and other wildlife. No experience is necessary! Appropriate for ages 8 and up (8 -15 must be accompanied by an adult). Reservations required by calling 703-339-6104. Cost: $30 per person. Private and group tours available upon request.



Kayak Tours: Meet at Pohick Bay Marina Boat Rentals

Morning Tours: 8 a.m. – noon

Saturdays – 5/11, 9/7

Sundays – 6/9, 7/7, 7/21, 8/11, 10/6

Evening Tours: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturdays – 5/4, 6/22

Moonlight Tours: Tour times vary as follows

Friday, 4/26 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday, 5/24 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday, 6/23 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday, 8/23 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday, 9/20 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.



Canoe Tours: Meet at Pohick Bay Marina Shore Launch Ramp



Morning Tours: 8 a.m.—noon

4/21, 5/19, 6/15, 7/6, 8/31, 10/5

Evening Tours: 5 p.m.—8 p.m.

4/27, 5/25, 6/1, 7/14, 9/15, 9/21, 10/13



Paddle Tours at Occoquan Regional Park



Historic Kayak Tours

led by Occoquan Town Mayor Earnie Porta

Learn about the historic region of the lower Occoquan River and the Town of Occoquan. See dates below.



Belmont Bay Tours

June 22nd & September 14 11am-2pm. Cost is $30 per person.

Tours to the Town of Occoquan: 11 am to 12:30 pm at Occoquan. Cost $10. Tours run the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the Month Beginning May 11 through October 26.



Paddle to Mason Neck

Join our naturalist for a kayak tour to Mason Neck State Park! Call 703-690-2121 for reservations. Cost is $30 per person. Kayak rental included.

Saturday 5/4 9am-1pm & Saturday 10/19 9am-1pm



Manassas Battlefield Historic Paddle

Saturday, May 11. Cost $30. 9 am to 3 pm. Put in at Old Stone Bridge, take out at Blackburns Ford (Rte. 28)



Occoquan Watertrail League (

Occoquan Watertrail League (OWL): Our mission is to work with volunteers, government agencies and land owners to promote resource awareness, encourage environmental stewardship and improve access to the Occoquan Water Trail.

Join us at www.owlva.org.

Tours in Cooperation with the Chesapeake Paddlers Association

Spring Bluebell Paddle: Sunday, April 14th 1pm

Meet at Bull Run Marina. Cost: $20 per participant to rent kayak. Call Occoquan Regional Park to register at 703-690-2121.

Route 28 Rock Paddle: Saturday, May 18th 1pm

Meet at Bull Run Marina. Cost: $30 per person to rent kayak. Call 703-690-2121 to register.

Fountainhead Fall Paddle: Saturday, October 26. $20 per person

OWL)



Weather Conditions

Unpredictable weather conditions are to be expected. For late fall and early summer tours particularly, water temperatures can be cold despite warm air temperatures. Please dress appropriately. Guides will assess the weather at the time of the tour. If it is unsafe, the trip will be canceled and your money will be refunded, or your trip rescheduled.



Safety Considerations

Paddling can be fun. However, there are inherent risks involved. Paddling in the water is a strenuous activity. People who do not wish to or are not able to engage in strenuous activity should not participate. Remember, you are responsible for paddling your craft. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, drinking water and clothing that can get wet. Don’t bring any item you don’t want to get wet. (cell phones, cameras, etc.)



Registration Information

Registration is required for all tours. To register for tours, or for general tour information, contact the individual park that is leading the tour. Contact information is listed on the back of this brochure. Cancellation and refund policy varies with each park. Contact the individual park for more information.



Group Tours/Rates

Interested in reserving a private tour for your family, business, school, or scout group? Group tours can be arranged with any of the parks offering paddle tours. Contact the individual park for group rates and more information.