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13. George
Washington's Grist Mill Historic State Park - 703-780-3383 or
703-550-0960
Location: Mount
Vernon Highway, Route 235, one-quarter mile south from U.S. 1, or 3 miles
west of the
Mt. Vernon estate.
George Washington operated this grist
mill on Dogue Run, where wheat and corn were ground into flour and
meal. After years of use and different owners, the mill eventually
fell into ruin. The mill was rebuilt in the 1930's with materials
and machinery from a similar mill of the period.
After being closed for extensive
restorations, the mill is expected to reopen in 2000. Call Mason Neck
State park for more information.
21. Lake
Anna State Park - 540-854-5503
Location: Adjacent to Route
601 off State Route 208; 25 miles southwest of Fredericksburg and
50 miles
northwest of Richmond.
Lake Anna State Park features a swimming
beach on one of Virginia's most popular lakes, fishing pond accessible
to children and people with disabilities, bathhouse-concessions complex,
boat launch facilities, pontoon boat rides, picnicking and hiking.
Visitor center exhibits trace the history of gold mining in the area and
highlight the natural features of the park. Panning for gold and
nature programs are popular activities. An outdoor environmental
education pavilion is available for group use.
22. Leesylvania
State Park - 703-670-0372
Location: Prince
William County. From U.S. 1, take Route 610 (Neabsco Road) east 2 miles.
Nestled along the shores of the Potomac
River, Leesylvania offers many land and water related activities
including hiking, picnicking, fishing, and boating. A new
universally accessible fishing pier, children's playground, boat
launching facilities, boat storage area, concessions area, and a visitor
center and environmental education center are available. Listed on
the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania was a home of
Virginia's legendary Lee Family.
24. Mason
Neck State Park - 703-550-0362
Location: 7 miles
northeast of Woodbridge. Take U.S. 1, then east to State Route 242
for about 4
miles.
Just a short drive from Washington D.C.,
this northern Virginia park offers a range of outdoor activities and
programs. Hiking trails, a large picnic area, car-top canoe
launch, and a visitor center are among the park's features. Bird
watching - particularly of the American bald eagle - and guided canoe
trips on the Potomac River are favorites with local residents. The
park's access to fields, wetlands, forest, and open water make it ideal
for environmental study.
33. Sky
Meadows State Park - 540-592-3556
Location: 2 miles
south of Paris. Take U.S. 50 to Route 17 south or from Route 66 take Route
17 north.
Park entrance is at Route 710 west.
Rich in history, the park has rolling
pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas, and offers a look into a bygone
era. Tour Mount Bleak House and see how a middle-class family of
the 1850's lived. Nature and history programs are offered during
the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Primitive hike-in camping,
picnicking, and hiking are favorite activities in this peaceful getaway
on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park offers a
bridle trail and serves as an access point to the Appalachian Trail.
Special Events: Strawberry Festival in May.
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