The Observing Field At Mason Neck

7301 High Point Road
Lorton, VA 22079-4010

Latitude: 38.63272
Longitude: -77.2124

Mason Neck State Park is available for public observing events. The site is located on the Southeast tip of Fairfax county and is classified as an urban observing site. This is not an exceptionally dark site and the horizons are somewhat limited. However, the park is close to Washington, DC and Alexandria, being about a 20 minute drive south from Alexandria.

NOVAC members can observe any night without advance notice, as long as agreed-upon procedures are followed. You must follow the procedures in the Mason Neck page in the members-only section of this website.

There will be two public programs each year. All members of the public attending these programs are required to pay the parking fee. You must use the "honor" method and deposit the fees in a provided envelope with your name. The fee is $3 on weekdays, and $4 on weekends. An alternative for regular visitors is to pay $33 for a one year parking permit.

Directions

From I-95 South in Lorton , take exit 163 and go left under the highway. Continue on Rt. 642 (Lorton Rd) to Rt.1 South. Go about 1 mile south on Rt. 1 to the intersection of Rt. 242 (Gunston Rd). Turn onto Gunston road.

Continue approximately 4.2 miles along Gunston Road to High Point Road and turn right on High Point Road. (There is a large Mason Neck Park sign at the intersection.) The "Contact Station" is approximately 1.1 miles in along High Point Road. The observing field where NOVAC members set up is an additional 1.6 miles in from the Contact Station. For parking, bear to the left when reaching the intersection at the field. Restrooms are near by.

Also, see the official Mason Neck web site for directions.