A beautiful place to walk, with some fascinating historical markers and well maintained trails. It's a real delight whenever we get to go.
It's a little hard to find if you didn't get directions from a local, but I went on a chilly day and it was practically tourist free. I think it may be a nice place to walk your dog, but beware it's not monitored so hike/walk at your own risk.
About a half mile hike to the island. Then a half mile loop on the island. Makes for a good short walk. Pets are welcome. Lots of wildlife. Some history. Worth a few minutes of your time.
The paths are very well maintained with some fun bridges with benches. Lots of people walk their dog here on nice days. beautiful scenery with the water....lots of wildlife and history. Fun and easy place to,walk without hassles. Free.
A very interesting historical site where the stone for the construction of our nations' Capitol and the White House was quarried. Touch the massive stone escarpment from which stone slabs were cut by hand and then moved to barges for shipment to Washington D.C. Enjoy a very pleasant hike and see the birds of the surrounding marsh.
Interesting for the historical aspect of learning about how many of the original Federal buildings were built from the local stones quarried in nearby Stafford, VA. This is a good nature hike for a Spring or Fall day with the family (you could even ride bikes and bring the dog) but be aware it is not equipped for wheelchairs and does not have the "amenities" many tourists are used too. Bring water, snacks, bug spray and anything else you may require for a 2 hour hike in a backpack.
Dirt path thru the woods and rocks with a few bridges. Plenty of dog crap along the way to make it interesting. If your a city person this might be of interest. If your an outdoor person it's just a long walk with doggie landmines. If nothing else the return to the parking lot is the highlight of the trip. You can watch the yuppies and their kids trying to figure out how to get the doo off their shoes and get into the car!
The first review of this location was poor and the biggest issues were the trash and the dog pooooo left behind by the dogs owners. I am pleased to report my lastest trip there on the last week of Oct. 2014, was much more pleasant as there was very little signs of dog crap and trash. I only picked up a few items and in the past have filled a trash bag. I am also pleased to report the trail that circles the island was in the process of being mulched. They were 90% complete and were going to finish that afternoon. The trail is being well maintained by the county and seems that people are cleaning up after themselves better. I saw several dogs and there owner and I noticed they all had bags and were picking up after their pet or had plans to pick up after their dog. It was a beautiful Oct. morning in the mid 70's and sunny made even more pleasant by a clean and well cared for park. Thank you Stafford County for assisting with extra trash bins and providing doggie bags for picking up dog messes.
Imagine walking down a beautiful nature rich path and coming upon a rock formation that has been quarried for our nations most important government buildings - this is the gist of Government Island. Although the trail is not handicapped accessible, this trail is great for all ages and abilities. The nature viewing area offers a nice view of the marshy area of Aquia Creek, with some great opportunities to see some native birds. Eagles, Osprey and Blue Heron are not uncommon sightings. Stafford County has spent a great deal of money on bridges, boardwalks and parking lots - making this 1-1.5 mile trail a very popular place for families, dog walkers and naturalists. Go early or late for the solitude, as this area is rarely empty. I live within a mile and visit this area often.
Government Island is a very historical place that has a beautiful walking path, bridge and trail. Walk a nice wooden bridge through the woods and marshes and enjoy the scenery and wildlife all around the island. On the Island you experience large sections of rock that was once a quarry where rocks were chiseled out, loaded on barges and shipped to Washington D.C. Form many sections of the White House and other buildings. A very relaxing walk with encounters of many friendly people.