I recently explored Widewater State Park in Stafford, which happens to be our 38th state park. However, it is still undergoing improvements as a charming recreational spot situated on the Widewater Peninsula.
In late 2018, Governor Ralph Northam introduced a new state park with much excitement and fanfare. The new state park was opened to the public in late 2018 by Governor Ralph Northam, generating a lot of excitement and attention.
More than twelve state parks can be found in Virginia, which includes smaller ones like Belle Isle and Seven Bends. One notable exception to the small size is Widewater State Park, which spans over 1,000 acres.
Only a small portion of the overall park acreage has been developed into a visitor-ready park, while the rest of the land remains undeveloped.
What’s There Now
I purchase an annual pass for one reason. However, not just yet. On weekends from April to October, there is a parking fee of $10 per car. Additionally, there is a $7 parking fee for the lot that belongs to Widewater State Park.
I will tell you, however, that a new section has been added since the park’s opening, featuring a playground, boat launch, hiking trail, restrooms, and picnic shelters.
Along the Potomac River, there are also four primitive paddle-in camping sites for those who choose to launch their boat from these sites in a kayak or canoe.
Unless you had previously examined the trail guide, you would be completely unaware of this recently added portion, which is located just beyond the primary entrance on Brent Point Road.
Hiking Trails
Widewater State Park features two hiking trails in Virginia, namely the .8-mile Long Pond Trail (loop) and the 1.7-mile Holly Marsh Trail (out-and-back).
The Long Pond Trail is indicated as a distance of 1.75 miles on the trail chart and as 0.9 miles on the map. Likewise, the Holly Marsh Trail is listed as 0.05 miles and 0.9 miles. It is intriguing to note that this information is included on the trail map.
While exploring this state park, it is worth noting that both the shady trails and the kid-friendly toilets flush from steps that are even more remote.
Long Pond Trail
I began the hike at the red marker in the center of the visitor center towards the front of this state park. In May, I hiked this easy loop on my first visit.
Over the water, you will reach a timber bench with extensive vistas at the 0.1-mile point. From this point, stroll along a dusty trail towards Aquia Creek.
You will notice that the edge of the water is lined with bricks that have been washed ashore. As you continue on the steps from Aquia Creek, you will also be very curious.
The bricks, which were abandoned by a former landowner, have been present on the property for a considerable period, as informed by the head ranger at Widewater State Park.
I was pleased to learn that bricks can be used to control erosion and protect the shoreline, but I was hoping for a more juicy story, like one dating back to the American Revolution.
Launch a small canoe and then beach it. You will reach another relaxing wooden bench overlooking Aquia Creek at the .2-mile mark and can continue on.
After a few more steps, the bench turns up again, marking the .3-mile road crossing over the park. The trail becomes mowed grass and now continues inland.
The trail here continues until you loop close. Another wooden bench will be spotted by you. The trail sidles up alongside the long pond, marking the .5-mile point.
Trying out the soothing timber seats, including the duration, took me a little less than 30 minutes to finish. The trail measures 0.8 miles.
Holly Marsh Trail
Beyond the primary entrance lies the Potomac Picnic Area, where you can find the Holly Marsh Trail marked with orange blazes. I had the opportunity to hike on this trail during my most recent visit over the weekend.
To access this area, visitors currently pay on the honor system with the fee envelope as there is a ranger-staffed fee collection station (under construction).
The trailhead is situated on the north side of the parking area, between the primitive camp sites and the ramp to the canoe launch, marked by an orange trail marker.
You will quickly reach a wooden bench with views across the Potomac River at the 0.1-mile mark when you start walking on this trail.
Do not continue any further. Make sure to halt at the “Caution” sign. You will observe a structure resembling a sizable avian abode on a wooden, water-surrounded platform after taking a few additional strides.
The point at the .8-mile mark provides the most favorable viewpoint, although you will occasionally catch glimpses of the marsh throughout. This meticulously maintained trail curves alongside Holly Marsh as it veers inland from this location.
At the end of the trail on Brent Point Road, an orange cone prevents visitors from entering the path of moving vehicles.
The primary park entrance is less than 100 feet away on the right, you have the option to turn left from this location. If you proceed further, you can access the Long Pond Trail for additional steps.
Alternatively, retrace your steps to the beginning of the trail for a 1.7-mile loop hike at one of the newly established state parks in Virginia.
Wrap-Up Notes
I am excited to see this park evolve as Stafford County adds more delightful waterfront amenities and trails, in line with the parks in Virginia State.