Mount Vernon District

The Mount Vernon District is one of nine magisterial districts of Fairfax County VA. There are numerous activities and attractions here in the southern end of Fairfax County. Many bicyclists, joggers, walkers and roller-blad enthusiasts make use of the Mount Vernon Trail which meanders along the Potomac River by your side. The trail wanders between the George Washington Parkway and the Potomac offering numerous vistas and opportunities to see waterfowl such as egrets, blue herons and wild ducks. It’s not uncommon to spot osprey and bald eagle here along the River.

Belle Haven Marina offers a great place to dock or rent a boat, kayak, canoe or sailing vessel. Many folk claim that the Potomac River is one of the best bass fishing areas on the East Coast. The Mount Vernon District is home to these historic attractions:

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens
Woodlawn Plantation and the Pope-Leighey House
River Farm
Pohick Church
Gunston Hall Plantation

Fairfax County operates two “RECenters” in the Mount Vernon District. The Mount Vernon Recreation Center located on Fort Hunt Road and Belle View Boulevard offers a wide range of exercise programs, ice skating, water aerobics and swimming. The smaller George Washington Recreation Center, located next door to the Riverside Elementary School on Old Mount Vernon Road, offers a variety of water activities, treadmills and stationary bikes.

Just off the Mount Vernon Parkway is Fort Hunt Park, managed by the National Park Service. On a warm, summer Sunday evening, many of our residents gather at the Park to hear concerts sponsored free by the National Park Service to the public by artists offering a wide range of music from classical to country-western to Chinese.

Mason Neck State Park is in the southern portion of Mount Vernon District. Mason Neck is sparsely populated, with mostly larger luxurious homes. The State Park here offers canoeing, trails, and a picnic area. Nearby Pohick Regional Park offers opportunities for camping, hiking, boating, swimming, equestrian trails and golfing. At the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, bird watching is a common activity, and available to all via the handicap-accessible trail. The Refuge provides a natural habitat for the American Bald Eagle where this majestic bird is frequently seen nesting or flying overhead.

Bird watchers and nature lovers alike enjoy the expanses of Huntley Meadows which borders Mount Vernon District at the north end near Alexandria VA.

Mount Vernon District has two Farmer’s Markets. The Farmer’s Markets are open-air opportunities to purchase fresh produce, flowers, plants, herbs, and baked goods provided by local growers. The markets are:

Tuesdays
Mount Vernon Farmers Market, 8 am – Noon
May – November
Sherwood Regional Library

Sundays
Lorton Farmers Market, 9 am – 1 pm
May – October
VRE Parking Lot