Three Little Places: Easy-Access Nature Escapes in Stafford

By Kitty L. | SHIROOKAMI - DOGS.UNITE | 09.13.2020

Stella and Kitty at Aquia Landing.  | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

In our neck of the woods, it’s easy to find a breathtaking nature escape not far from the conveniences of stores and restaurants.  Today, we look at three easy trails and hiking opportunities for people and dogs of all ages to enjoy. 

 Aquia Landing

Rocks on the banks. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

Located in the northernmost part of Stafford County, Aquia Landing is a lesser-known beach at the banks of the Potomac River that looks different with each visit.  Covering 32 acres, this small patch of land by the water serves as a beautiful and historical recreational area.

Aquia Landing in the morning.. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

Typically in the morning, fishermen will gather in the silence of the riverbanks, not a sound of motors to be heard.  The sunrise creates a picturesque watercolor as the sky reflects over still waters.  During midday in the summer months, watch out for parking as several locals gather with beach towels and umbrellas. 

Banks of Aquia Landing.  | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

A completely different feeling overtakes this destination as the shore becomes busy with people and their pooches swimming and tanning.  The sound of children playing and the call of seagull fill the air.  Then, at sunset, one can hear the songs of marsh birds, and an unpredictable combination of colors is again reflected in the waters.  Depending on the temperature, the waters become crowded with blooming seagrass, making Aquia Landing feel even more tranquil.

Chance finds the fishing hours here too early.. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

Many are unaware that Captain John Smith landed in here in 1608, giving Aquia Landing its name.  The Union Army also used it as a transportation hub.  The ruins of a wharf used in the Civil War remain in the waters today. 

The Civil War era wharf.  | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

In our times, the area sees relatively no commercial or military activity, but teems with the wildlife that pours over from the surrounding marshes.  Birdwatchers can take advantage of the ever-changing ecology of Aquia Landing to spot herons, egrets, ospreys, and bald eagles that seek their next meal. 

Seagrass washed up on the banks of Aquia Landing.. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

Geese above Aquia Landing.  | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

 Crow’s Nest

Nearby, the Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve offers a more remote and rugged experience.  Within its 2,872 acers of land, various ecologies are represented, including wetlands, forests, and open field filled with several rare and endangered species.

A glimpse of the tidal marshes through dense greenery. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

If you’re into kayaking, wading through the wetlands, fishing, or are in search of rare birds, Crow’s Nest is the place for you.  This is a rare place where one can do all these activities at the same time, owing to the vast wetlands. 

To Crow's Nest we go! | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

As a peninsula flanked by the Potomac (north) and Accokeek (south), the Preserve boasts tidal marshes which have been used as hunting and fishing grounds for over 10,000 years, namely by the Patawomek and Mattaponi tribes. 

Chance asks, where’s the kayak?  | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

It supports over 200 species of birds and other wildlife, with a noticeable presence of bald eagles.  The preserve also contains rocky outcroppings like Crow’s Nest Mountain, the highest point in Stafford County.  Note that there are no public wharfs or docks, but only small marinas and boat ramps along the waterways that anyone can use to launch their adventure.

A ride through Crow's Nest.  | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

 Boykin’s Trail

In the southernmost part of Stafford County lies Boykin Trail.  Named after some of the earliest settlers in Stafford, the trail is a moderate-level out-and-back hiking trail that stretches about 3.4 miles.  Though not directly connected to the other two on this list, it passes sights and sounds that can be found in Aquia Landing and Crow’s Nest. 

Wildlife at Boykin Trail. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

Along with Crow's Nest, Boykin is home to several rare ferns. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

This site is not to be confused with Boykin’s Landing or Fort Boykin, which is all the way down south across from Newport News.  Several internet searches for this trail will usually point to Fort Boykin, a testament to the trail’s obscurity. 

Approaching the overlook. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

Boykin’s Trail is at the edge of Crow’s Nest, along the Potomac Creek, and ends at the summit of Boykin’s Island.  Since it is considered to be a moderately challenging hike, it is unlikely to encounter many hikers enroute.  Dogs are allowed on the trail.  Additionally, Boykin Trail has a scenic overlook of the Potomac River halfway along the trail, i.e., at Boykin’s Island.

Stella investigates marina ruins at Boykin Island. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

Part of the overlook over the ruins. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI

 

Closing Remarks

All in all, these three little pieces of nature can be enjoyed with ease for an afternoon run or weekend kayaking trip.  Remember, the beauty of these areas relies on the efforts of visitors to maintain clean, respectful, and thoughtful interactions with nature. 

Leaving Aquia Landing. | Kitty L. / SHIROOKAMI