29. Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area

The Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area is an 800-acre mosaic of gently sloping open meadows, mature hardwood forests, freshwater ponds, creeks, streams, and riparian wetlands. on the inland side of Mason Neck peninsula, maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. There is a 15-mile, multiple-use trail system for hiking, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Most of the trails west of Belmont Blvd. have a lot of tight curves, making them fun for bicycle riders but less efficient for hikers, and about two miles of these trails are reserved for mountain bikes. 

Trail map.

Trailheads:

Hidden Pond Trailhead: 10705 Belmont Blvd., Lorton, VA

Mustang Trailhead (horse trailer parking): 10702 Harley Rd., Lorton, VA

Meadowood Trailhead: 10324 Belmont Blvd., Lorton, VA

Giles Run Trailhead: 10207 Old Colchester Rd., Lorton, VA

Woody plants common to the woodlands, forests and forest edges include red and white oak, beech, sweet gum, Virginia pine, persimmon, and paw paws. Animals include white-tailed deer, red fox, coyote, beaver, raccoons, hawks, eagles, reptiles, amphibians, and more. There are 30 species of migratory songbirds. Waterfowl include herons, mallards and wood ducks and Canada geese. Dragonflies are abundant and commonly observed at Enchanted and Hidden Ponds. The American eel has been found in the streams and ponds, and an occasional eagle can be seen watching the ponds for a bite to eat. Evidence of beaver may occasionally be found in the floodplains of Thompson Creek, Giles Run and South Branch.

Creek crossing on the South Branch Loop trail