Pohick Bay in Virginia

Trip Overview

Pohick Bay is a wonderful place to sea kayak. The water the day of our trip was very peaceful. We took our 15' tandem Necky to the designated drop area (a nice, protected sandy beach). From there, we took our kayak about 3/4 mile west into a small protected cove area. The calm water was perfect to continue to teach my daughter how to properly paddle and steer without the use of our kayak's rudder. On the western edge of the cove, thick hydrilla blocked any continued progression into the feeder river.

As we headed east, we passed three separate eagles nests built on stilts in the bay itself. My daughter was particularly pleased as we glided nearby with an eagle perched on top. As we continued east, you can head north into Accotink Bay or continue east to explore the Potomac shoreline. We ventured another two miles and headed back.

All in all, it is a very manageable body of water. The small bay is shared with motor boats (sometimes with water skiers), jet skis, and other mon-motorized boats.

It's a great place for a nice, calm paddle and it's also big enough to plan a round trip to your suiting (i.e. 1 mile to 10 miles depending on fitness level and time).

Accommodations:

There is a dock as well as a sandy beach for launching non-motorized boats; the area is separate from the motorized boat ramp (about a 1/4 mile away). There is also a canoe/kayak rental center for those interested in addition to numerous county amenities (several picnic areas etc.)

Fees:

$4 to launch ($9 non-county residents).

Directions:

To reach Pohick Bay, From I-95 S, exit 163 to Lorton. Left onto Lorton Rd at the end of exit ramp. Go under second overpass and turn right onto Lorton Market St. (You will see Shoppers Food Warehouse) Go about 1.5 mile to traffic light at RT. 1. Go straight through light (road name changes to Gunston Rd) and go about 4 miles to park entrance on left.