government island

This is my favorite spot for my family to take short walks through the woods. It's very relaxing and there is some neat history.

A beautiful place to walk, with some fascinating historical markers and well maintained trails. It's a real delight whenever we get to go.

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.

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.

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.

This park is a wonderful place to take a stroll in. to enjoy the walk around this park is great..I have been here twice now with my dogs and both times it was wonderful. and the history behind it as most of the stones for white house came from here.. I would truly tell anyone to come here.. the fall colors where great.

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.

This is an easy walking trail and mostly shaded. You cross a nice long bridge over the water where you can see water birds and the occasional frog along with a variety of plants. The pathway winds around the island with some elevation changes and water views that make it really pleasant. Good for jogging too since the trail is smooth even though it is not paved. An historical information plaque tells you about the area and the quarry that was once used for many famous and local buildings. You can take your dog, too.

This hike is just average. The hike is easy as it is flat and mostly paved and wooden bridges. This area is of great historical significance from the 1700's and revolutionary war and when the Capital of the United States was being built as well as during the Civil war. You can find out more about this area of Stafford by reading online. We have walked this path several times per year and every time we have picked up atleast a full trash bag of garbage people have dicarded. We walk our dogs here and they love it as do alot of other people, my only wish is that people clean up or pick up after their dogs. This area is like walking through a field of dog shiiit land mines. For these reasons I consider this hike just average. It is a beautiful area with views of water and wild life it is tooooo bad that humans are not respecting this area. We will continue to visit this area and pick up garbage and encourage others to do the same. If you read this pick up after yourself and your dogs. Teach your kids to leave no trace. Teach your children to leave an area in better condition than when you got there. Try it you will feel good about yourself.

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!

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.

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.

Great place for a nature hike or pack a picnic! Perfect place to observe wildlife. Mostly flat hike. Shaded trail makes a great ace for summer hikes.

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.