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Field Trip: Mason Neck State Park(VA) at Sunrise

October 26 @ 7:00 am – 10:00 am

Updated Tue 21-Oct-2925 with new location!

Nestled on a tranquil peninsula in Lorton, Virginia, Mason Neck State Park offers photographers a rich tapestry of natural beauty and wildlife. The park’s diverse ecosystems and scenic vistas provide endless inspiration. Whether you’re chasing the perfect wildlife shot or composing tranquil landscapes, Mason Neck State Park invites you to explore, create, and connect with nature through your lens.

Mason Neck State Park features these and other photo opportunities:

• Wetlands, forests, and open fields create dynamic compositions with shifting light and seasonal colors.
• Belmont Bay and Kane’s Creek offer serene water reflections, perfect for golden hour shots.
• Bay View Trail is a favorite for nature walks with your camera, offering varied terrain and intimate nature scenes.
• American bald eagles are a highlight—frequent sightings make this a prime location for bird photography.
• Other wildlife includes deer, foxes, herons, and turtles, often spotted along trails and waterways.
• Early morning mist over the wetlands and late afternoon sun filtering through the forest canopy create magical lighting conditions.
• The park’s quiet ambiance makes it ideal for contemplative, slow-paced shooting.

(Photo Credits: All images, Seton Droppers)

The Mason Neck Park description is available on the Virginia State Parks web site – Mason Neck State Park

Equipment:

  • Your camera and your standard “walk-about” lens
  • A wide-angle lens may be useful
  • A long telephoto if you plan on wildlife photography
  • Sturdy tripod and remote release for longer exposures, if desired
  • Sturdy shoes for walking the various trails

Other Inspiration:

When:

Sunday October 26, 2025, 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. (Rain date is Saturday, October 25, 2025)

Sunrise is at 7:30 AM. Park gates open at 7:00 AM. During a pre-field trip check the gates were not open until 7:00 AM and there was no convenient parking near the gates to wait for the gates to open.

Where:

Mason Neck State Park

7301 High Point Rd., Lorton, VA 22079

There is a $10.00 parking fee to Mason Neck State Park, payable at the contact station (use the self-pay envelope provided at the contact station). You may also enter if you have a current annual pass.

We will meet in the parking lot of the Picnic ground. This provides access to the Bayview trail, with views across a small bay and around a large marsh. You can also easily walk from the picnic parking area to the visitor center (which will be closed this early in the morning) and access other trails.

You may wish to review and print the PDF map available on the Mason Neck State Park web site (above).

After Field Trip Snacks:

Panera Bread, 9402 Lorton Market St, Lorton, VA 22079

NOTE: from Lorton Market ST, heading toward Lorton Road is ONLY available via the “Carwash” entrance.

Seton Droppers and Christopher Fedorchak

Field Trip Coordinators 2025-2026