Overview
The Popes Creek Picnic Area Pavilion is located within George Washington Birthplace National Monument. The surrounding picnic grounds were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. A connecting foot bridge leads to the historic area, farm, colonial garden, visitor center and gift shop. The Washington family burial ground is located one mile away.
Recreation
George Washington Birthplace offers a variety of recreational activities including fishing on Popes Creek and on the Potomac River, canoeing and kayaking from the Potomac River beach, hiking, bike riding on park roads, and bird watching.
Facilities
The 30′ by 42′ picnic pavilion contains 12 picnic tables and two grills. Restrooms, a water fountain and electrical outlet are 80′ away. Parking is available for 25 vehicles on a first come first served basis. A dumpster and recycling bin are available.
Natural Features
The pavilion and picnic area sit on a bluff overlooking the mouth of Pope’s Creek with views of the Potomac River in the distance. A one mile nature trail meanders along the shore of Popes Creek and through wooded areas. A connecting trail and series of boardwalks takes visitors through Dancing Marsh and into the historic area.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous attractions surround the area, including: Westmoreland State Park, Stratford Hall Plantation (Birthplace of Robert E. Lee), Historic Christ Church, Historic Fredericksburg, Menokin (Home of Francis Lightfoot Lee), Northern Neck Wine Trail, The Lower Potomac River Water Trail, The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Belle Isle State Park and James Monroe Birthplace.
Nearby Activities
- Biking
- Boating
- Historic & cultural site
- Interpretive programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Visitor center
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
- Hotel/lodge/resort privately owned
Gallery
Directions
From Fredericksburg/I-95: Exit I-95 at Exit 130 A and continue onto Route 3 East. Follow Route 3 East for 38 miles. Look for Route 204, which is on the left. After turning down Route 204, entrance to park is approximately 2 miles.
From Route 301: Follow Route 3 East approximately 12 miles. Take the left at Route 204. After turning down Route 204, entrance to park is approximately 2 miles.
From Route 360: Follow George Washington Birthplace signs out of Warsaw, VA. Take Route 3 West approximately 22 miles. Take the right at Route 204. After turning down Route 204, entrance to the park is approximately 2 miles.
For GPS Devices use the following address: 1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA 22443
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 38° 11′ 21.9998″ N
Longitude 76° 54′ 51.9998″ W