I am fairly new to boating having bought my first boat (1900) last season however I am wondering if anyone from the Northern Virginia area could reccomend any good daytrips for the Northern parts of the Potomac? I usually put in at Leesylvania state park.
You've struck gold...
I keep my 2100sc at Occoquan State park. Going on the third season. The state park is the best deal for storage and launch this side of the river. Cost is about 110 bucks and that also includes all launch fees. Ten launch times and storage is free.
OK so now that I've covered that part. Places of interest. There are two good eateries on the Virginia side that most folks visit first is Tims I just down the river from where you put in at Leesylvania. Further down is Tims II river front. It will take you about 30 minutes and you will see two large Radomes on the Maryland side once you see these do a 90 degree right turn straight towards shore and the Virginia side. This is called Fairview beach. I could go on about places south, but lets give you somewhere going North. From Leesylvania stay in the channel and go up to Alexandria. You can tie up and go in to the city, but only do this when the tide is in as the public tie ups are very shallow. I prefer going all the way up into George town. From your start point this would be about an hour trip one way. The Anacostia is a neat sightseeing divergence, and once the new stadium is built this waterfront should expand. Another point of interst is Mattowoman bay. It would be a little to the north of Leesylvania and over on the Maryland side. This is a nice sheltered bay, with a front part and around the corner and in the back some more nice anchorages. Most folks go over hang out and picnic in this area.
if you go to www.sempreveloce.tripod.com you will see what my boat looks like. You should see me on the river around the end of April and just about every weekend thereafter. I always have my radio on so don't hesitate to call and we can hook up.
Great, I appreciate the suggestions. We didn't have much of the season left last year and I had pruchased the boat with a bad gimble bearing so I had some work to get done on it but it seems to be doing better now. Besides, we needed the time to practice backing the thing down the ramp as it takes some getting used to!
We are familiar with Tim's and with it being right next door to our put in point wouldn't miss it.
How long of a trip is colonial beach from my area? Is that a reasonable trip? There seems to be a lot down there.
On a day where the water is nice and flat, a trip to Colonial Beach from Leesylvania is going to take you a little over an hour and a half. Staying in the channel, which I highly advise, you will pass Quantico, (first 15 minutes), head south for about 30 minutes, putting you around Fairview beach, then SE for about another 20 to 30 minutes at which time you will round a point and see the 301 bridge crossing the Potomac. Once under the bridge, its still another 15 or 20 minutes to Colonial Beach, it will be on the Virginia side, and you will need to pay special attention to the markers as you must go past the beach and then come in to the harbour in a North Easterly direction.
Its and interesting journey, but I would save it for later in the season. Going up into Washington DC, there is lots more along the way to see. Fort Washington, Fort Belvoir, Mount Vernon, WW bridge, Alexandria, Naval Research Lab, Reagan Airport, then DC and all the monuments. Depending on how long you stop along the way, its less than an hour.
Great advice!
Mattawomen Creek is also a great place to spend the day, lots of fun and friendship. A good place to relax and enjoy. I have my boat @ The Pilot House, just a couple of minutes away from Leesylvania State Park. The trip to Fairview Beach is a very nice trip, Colonial Beach also, after the 301 bridge you reach salty water, not a big deal. Enjoy the season!!
Dan.
Dan,
Are you in the water ATT? Mine is still shrinkwrapped, but I'm anxious to get the battery back in it and start the de-winterize process? Also, what size Maxum do you have? Was wondering if I have seen you over at Mattawoman, since we were over there many times last year.. see: http://sempreveloce.tripod.com/
How about tubing and such? I heard that mattawomen was a good place to tube but I would think it gets pretty crowded over there? Is it better (safer) to head south a while?
Nope, not in the water yet. Will be unwrap the boat today, and starting doing some work on it during weekends, will be de-winterized by mid march and be on the water the 3rd week of march or end of it, weather depending. Have a 2000, Max 2400 SCR 25 ft.
Is a great place to sky/tube.
You need to move a little to the right of the cove, just because where everyone get's together is like a "NO WAKE" zone. Even that, lots of fun. Before getting Mattawomen there is another little cove very nice, open are, you will normally see biggers cruisers there, nice area to sky but dont get to close from the "Big Ones", LOL
As you come in from the Potomac, there is a sweeping coastline to the right that stays fairly deep til the last 50 yards or so. There are several coves further back with a State park as you head back. The first Cove is usually where folks tie up and out towards the middle of the channel folks skii and tube. Another area is in by Gunston, but the entrance is shallow and you really have to be conscienous of the depth. Going south, its a pretty good hike til you get somewhere where you are protected enough for tubing.
Another neat anchorage is near the middle of the channel leaving the Occoquan. Its about two markers after the end of the "NoWake" zone on exiting the Occoquan.. going in you will see it to starboard just before a small island.
Anyone in the Northern VA area?
Linear Mode
