Group paddle on the Occoquan from Lake Jackson Dam launch point

Prince William Trails & Streams Coalition is planning a “Fun Paddle” on Saturday, Oct 19 from 9 AM until 2 PM from the Lake Jackson Dam Put-in Point to Riverview Estates HOA take-out point, about 5.5 miles.

A check on weather and water level at put-in point will be made on Oct 18 to make sure everything is in a “Go” mode and participants notified.  Please register here to ensure you receive these communications.

Paddlers should plan on dropping off their equipment at the Lake Jackson Dam Occoquan River Trailhead area and take their vehicles to the Riverview Estates HOA take-out site which is available by special permission of the HOA.

Directions to Lake Jackson Dam and to the HOA site are below along with some Safety Checklist Tips.  A shuttle service to move paddlers from the Riverview Estates HOA site, once they park their vehicles, back to the Occoquan River Trailhead is being planned for that day to ease traffic congestion.  Carpooling is encouraged where possible.

If you have any questions on this event our point of contact is Ed Dandar, PWTSC project officer at 703-791-6158 or [email protected].

Directions to the Lake Jackson Dam Occoquan River Trailhead Site

From I-95 go north on Rte. 234 and cross the Occoquan Creek Bridge.  Make a left turn at 1st red light on to Coles Drive and an immediate left on to Mercury Drive.  Make a left turn on Hinson Mill Lane and Trailhead entrance.  Paddlers drop-off equipment and proceed to Riverview Estates HOA site.  Other visitors will be helped to find parking in the general area.

From Rte. 28 go south on Rte. 234 passing the Brentsville Road Exit and Traffic Light and turning right at the next Traffic Light on to Coles Drive and then left on to Mercury Drive.  If you miss the Coles Drive turn, make next right turn before the Bridge on to Hinson Mill Lane where someone will help you find parking in the general area.  Car-pooling is encouraged because parking is limited on Mercury Drive and between the Outdoor Furniture and Backyard Shed & Deck.  Parking is available off of Coles Rd on the shoulder of Collinreid Ct.

Directions from Lake Jackson Dam Occoquan River Trailhead to Riverview Estates HOA Site

Start from Trailhead Entrance on Hinson Mill Lane and proceed northwest on Mercury Dr. toward Coles Dr. Turn right onto Coles Dr. Turn left at traffic light onto VA-234 N/Dumfries Rd.  Turn slight right at next light onto VA-3000 E/Prince William Parkway.  Stay straight and turn right at 3d light onto Prince William Parkway/VA-3000 E.  At second light, turn left onto Yates Ford Rd.  Turn right at next light on to Davis Ford Road.   Go over bridge and turn right onto River Forest Drive (into Riverview Estates), then turn right onto Greenway Court.  At the end of the cul-de-sac the gate will be open so you can go down to the river and park in designated area.

Safety & Equipment Checklist

• Life Jackets To Be Worn By Everyone in Canoes and Kayaks.  Don’t forget Paddles.  Recommend a ¼” or 3/8” bow or stern rope about 8-15 ft. long for towing if needed.  Bring an extra paddle if you have one.
• Medical Emergency, Call 911– Lake Jackson VFD.  Bring your Cell Phone.
• In the event of an unexpected Thunderstorm while on the water, go to shore immediately and take cover, but stay away from tall trees.
• Wear hat for head & face protection.  Bring Sun Glasses and string for glasses.
• Bring pocket knife, if you have one, for cutting fishing line or other items.  Bring personal first aid kit if you have one.
• Recommend back-up change of clothes in water proof bag in event it is needed.
• Apply sun screen and bug spray before departing.