Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge

"An absolutely lovely nature preserve just a stone’s throw from DC and Hoodbridge. It is free of charge which is wonderful, though it has no amenities other than a trailhead toilet. The whole of Mason Neck was almost developed in the 1900s, but heroic Elizabeth Hartwell and others fought to save it from the destruction that nearly every other forest has felt in the region. The forest is surprisingly pristine and in the middle of the forest, the only sounds you hear that aren’t natural are of the occasional chopper or plane. Lots of avifauna and other creatures. Highly recommend a visit."

"I used to go to Woodmarsh Trail often during the pandemic. My goal was to lose weight, and since going to the gym wasn't safe, I decided to go hiking. My average daily walk was 2-4 miles, and I carried a bottle of water, an apple and a cucumber on my morning hikes (3-4 times a week). Cucumbers and apples are good because they quench thirst faster than water. If you want to lose weight by hiking, be sure to bring cucumbers and apples. I have been to the mountains often since I was a child. It's really good for losing weight without harming your health, and we share with you some hacks without the help of people around you. When I wake up in the morning, I go for a walk on an empty stomach. It burns the fat accumulated in the body. And when I get home, I have breakfast. I'm not hungry because I ate apples and cucumbers. You won't eat much for breakfast."

"Easy hikes! One trail is paved and flat the other is also easy but unpaved. Great views from both blinds. Alot of bird activity. Good location for seeing tundra swans."

"Took a nice hike w our kids and we all really enjoyed it :) a bit hot that day but def will go back when it cools down! kids had a lot of fun and there was a bike path close by as well that looked like it would be fun."

"Peaceful, serene, beautiful. What more could you ask for? Woodmarsh trail is easy going, almost entirely flat. Lots of spider webs though! The views for the marsh and the Potomac are wonderful. I spent a lot of time just looking at the water and listening to the insects."