About the Basin, August 11, 2017

Located along the Potomac River in Prince William’s County, Virginia, Leesylvania State Park has a lot to offer its multitude of visitors. As one online reviewer states, “This gem of a park offers peace and quiet in the middle of the hubbub of NoVA.” Although small, the park offers a range of amenities for those looking to escape the city for a day, including trails, a boat ramp into the Potomac River, visitor’s center, picnic shelters with barbecues, fishing spots, a playground, and more.

(c) Flickr, Mrs.Gemstone, “Leesylvania State Park – PotomacBeach”

A Living Shoreline project is currently in progress at the park to prevent erosion and create a habitat for aquatic plants and animals. This type of restoration project builds up the shoreline using natural materials to create a wetland environment that protects the shore from erosion and provides valuable habitat. There is an informational walk open to the public on September 10 to learn more about the project and the ecological principles behind it.

Having only been open since 1992, the park itself is relatively young. However, the area is full of history, with some spots within the park listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The land was once owned by some of the more famous residents of northern Virginia, the Lee and Fairfax families. Chimneys are all that remain of these notable residences though. A few members are buried in a cemetery within the park. These historic sites are accessible by trail. Learn more about the wartime history of the area on the Potomac River Blockade Boat Tours in September and October.

In addition to the events above, the staff at Leesylvania State Park provide weekly events for people of all ages. Walks, talks, and other adventures explore the wildlife of the area, from the bottom of the ponds to the sky above. If you can’t make it to a scheduled event, park staff are usually on hand to discuss wildlife, fishing spots, or history of the park.