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Visit a section of river between Lower Cedar Point and Stratford Hall...
Colonial Beach, Va.
George Washington Birthplace National Monument
Westmoreland State Park
Stratford Hall, Va.
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One of the Northern Neck's major destinations is Westmoreland State Park, a large (1300-acre) Potomac park offering canoeing areas, hiking trails, and unusual geological formations. Horsehead Cliffs, where cliffs rise 150 feet above the Potomac shoreline, has fossils including shark teeth, whalebones, and other artifacts. The Potomac shoreline stretches for 1.5 miles along the park.
In prehistoric times, the ocean stretched all the way to the fall line Great Falls, above Washington on the Potomac. The cliffs developed from sediments that fell to the sea floor-thus explaining the abundance of shark teeth, whale remains, even sea crocodiles. The soft sediments preserved many of the bones and teeth.
Trails at Westmoreland State Park traverse the Big Meadow marsh, which is fed by a flow of fresh water from a spring. Bird life is extensive in the park, including the bald eagle. According to the National Audubon Society, there are approximately 10 bald eagle nests in Westmoreland County. The Big Meadow Nature Trail is a self-guided trail featuring an observation tower that overlooks Yellow Swamp.
A swimming beach, Olympic-size pool, boat launching area, grocery store, cabins, and visitor center make this one of the best-equipped parks along the lower Potomac. The park offers 3 large campgrounds, 25 housekeeping cabins, and 6 overnight cabins. The housekeeping cabins are mainly rented on a weekly basis and require advance registration. Two-night reservations are available on a limited basis. The overnight cabins are available by reservation as well, but have sleeping quarters only, no kitchen or bathroom. Trails include wetland, forest, and meadow routes. Camping areas are open from March through December 4th. Visitors can also rent boats, including paddleboats and rowboats, for leisurely trips along the Potomac's shore.
The park is open daylight to dusk, seven days a week. Admission fee to the park is $1.50 per car on weekends, $1 on weekdays. Additional fees are charged for boat launching, swimming, and advance reservation of picnic shelters. The park has a public interpretive program from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Westmoreland State Park, Route 1, Box 600, Montross, Va. 22520. Telephone: 804-493-8821. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, 203 Governors St., Suite 306, Richmond, VA 23219. Telephone: 804-786-2132.
http://www.state.va.us/~dcr/parks/westmore.htm
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